Priolepis nocturna (Smith, 1957)
Blackbarred reefgoby
Priolepis nocturna
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  3.9 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 8 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Seychelles and the Maldive to the Marquesas, including the Philippines and Phoenix Is.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: no fraenum; lateral line scale series 28 or more; pectoral fin rays 20 or more; nape and body with 4 broad dark bars on a light background; anterodorsal region of the caudal fin with an ocellated eye-sized dark spot (Ref. 9018); characterized further by having a pair of bands below eye; large partially ocellated black spots on both dorsal fins; ctenoid body scales to level of second dorsal spine, cycloid anteriorly, including base of pectoral fin, breast and ventrally on abdomen; head and median part of nape without scales; side of nape to above middle of opercle with small embedded scales; cheek without vertical row of papillae; depth of body 4.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reef crevices in 8-30 m (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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