Trimma hayashii Hagiwara & Winterbottom, 2007
Four-eye pygmygoby
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.33 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 26 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan to the Solomons.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 7-8. This species is characterized by the following: dorsal spine a little elongated or not; presence of a basal membrane between the pelvic fins; absence of predorsal scales; an interorbital but no postorbital trench; absence of cheek and opercular scales; fifth pelvic fin ray branched sequentially once or twice and, uniquely among known species of Trimma, has a bilateral, pupil-sized black spot on the branchiostegal membrane; live individuals with red spots, a little smaller than the pupil diameter on the head and nape, the posterior half of body has 3 yellow stripes separated by 2 grey stripes, and the black spots on the branchiostegal membranes are ocellated with white or blue (Ref. 58123).
Biology:  Lives under corals in embayments, which are sometimes covered by siltation. Also found in caves and crevices of sheltered reefs (Ref. 90102). It often positions itself upside-down on the roof of the recess (Ref. 58123).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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