Oxyurichthys lonchotus (Jenkins, 1903)
Speartail mudgoby
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobionellinae
Max. size:  4.7 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 1 - 4 m
Distribution:  Pacific: Hawaii and Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Characterized by pale brownish grey body color with three longitudinal rows of dark brown spots on body;, upper row as double spots and middle row as large rectangular blotches; pectoral fin base covered by a large oval blackish spot; irregular dark brown bar below eye; dorsal fins joined basally by membrane; united pelvic fins, well-developed frenum present; long and pointed caudal fin, 2.4-2.7 in SL; longitudinal scale series 100; ctenoid scales posteriorly, becoming cycloid anteriorly; head, nape, prepectoral area and breast without scales; low fleshy crest from above upper end of preopercular margin to origin of first dorsal fin; depth of body 5.3-5.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Benthic on mud in shallow brackish waters (Ref. 58302). Also found in sand bottoms in estuaries and stream mouths in 1-4 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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