Grallenia larsonae Allen & Hammer, 2018
Larson' tiny sandgoby

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Eastern Indian Ocean: Australia,
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): -7; Dorsal soft rays (total): -7; Anal spines: -1; Anal soft rays: -7; Vertebrae: 27-27. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI+I,6–7; A I,6–8; first dorsal-fin spine not produced into filament; pelvic frenum present; cephalic sensory canals and associated pores present; 22–30 longitudinal scales. Coloration in alcohol is tan with 8 widely spaced, small, brown spots in mid-lateral row on side of the body; faint dark bar of stellate melanophores across anterior cheek; scattered pepper-like melanophores on anterior part of upper opercle It is closely related to Grallenia arenicola from Kashiwa-jima island of southern Japan. This species has relatively fewer scales anterior to the level of the second dorsal fin origin compared with Grallenia arenicola (Ref. 123066).
Biology:  Specimens were collected using rotenone on sand and rubble bottoms, in habitats ranging from sand flats, isolated coral knolls, reef slopes, and reef edge/fringing reef with scattered corals (Ref. 123066).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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