Oplopomops diacanthus (Schultz, 1943)
Hole goby
Oplopomops diacanthus
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  7.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 20 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Maldives (Ref. 30829). Pacific Ocean: Kapingamarangi (?), Marshall and Phoenix Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-11. Characterized by translucent grey body color with brown and white spotting and row of double spots just below midlateral scale row; united pelvic fins, frenum present; rounded caudal fin, about equal to HL; longitudinal scale series 28; ctenoid scales on body and nape; predorsal scales 10; cheek and opercle without scales; depth of body 6.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits sand patches (Ref. 37816) and fine rubble flats adjacent to reef to about 10 meters depth. Usually occurs on light coloured sand and is often partly burried (Ref. 48637). Uncertain if it associates with invertebrate burrows.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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