Amblygobius calvatus Allen & Erdmann, 2016
Baldhead siltgoby
Amblygobius calvatus
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  3.3 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4.8 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Philippines; but most likely to be widely distributed in the East Indian region and western Pacific. Captured photograph from Chuuk in Micronesia may be this species.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-15; Anal spines: 15-16; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,14-15; A I,15-16; caudal fin is strongly lanceolate, and is longer than head length; longitudinal scales 80-86; transverse scales 24-26; body scales entirely cycloid; scaleless on head, including side of nape and upper opercle; when alive grayish-brown with 2 orange-brown stripes on head and body, short upper stripe, ending before soft dorsal fin, the lower stripe horizontally ovate, orange-brown spot on opercle, continuing as a pale body stripe from upper pectoral-fin base to middle of caudal-fin base; pectoral-fin base pale with small, rectangular dark orange-brown spot across middle portion; series of 8-11 small black spots or saddles on upper back (Ref. 114936).
Biology:  Occurs on silt-mud substratum in highly sheltered bays and lagoons; loosely scattered, mainly solitary individuals were encountered at the type locality; invariably associated with muddy burrows where they retreat when closely approached by divers (Ref. 114936).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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