| Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| 1.38 cm SL (male/unsexed); 1.07 cm SL (female) |
|
benthopelagic; marine; depth range 15 - 30 m |
| Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-7. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: predorsal midline with 7-8 scales; fifth pelvic-fin ray is unbranched and 40–42% length of fourth ray; cheek and opercle are scaleless; all pectoral-fin rays unbranched; D VI + I,7; no elongate spines in dorsal fin; bony interorbital width 81–84% of pupil diameter. Colouration: body bright yellow throughout and without bars in life; iris golden-yellow with melanophores except for the golden ring around pupil and inverted golden triangle extending from ventral margin of pupil; fins are translucent with yellow-green longitudinal band in central third of dorsal fins; a thin black midlateral line from above pectoral-fin base to the caudal-fin base, visible in life and in preservative (Ref. 138039). |
| This species inhabits caves of exposed offshore reefs, where it moves along the surface of cave roofs and walls in small groups of three to ten individuals (occasionally it is also solitary). It is usually found deep within caves, rarely seen within the first 80 cm of a cave entrance. Its habitat is similar to that of its sister species, Trimma winchi, in the Seychelles (Ryan Daly pers. comm.). Specimens were collected at depths between 15 and 30 m, only two specimens were observed shallower than 20 m, it is relatively common in caves at 30 m. Samplings and surveys were limited to 30 m, but it is likely that the species extends to greater depths. The species is observed this species exclusively on reefs with steep walls that extend well into the mesophotic (Ref. 138039). |
|
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
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