Trimma multiclitellum Allen, 2015
Multisaddle pygmy goby
Trimma multiclitellum
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  1.74 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 17 - 18 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I, 8, there are no elongate or filamentous spines; A I,8; pectoral rays 17; emarginate caudal fin with pointed upper lobe and rounded lower lobe; the fifth pelvic ray is branched, 74% length of fourth pelvic ray; the basal membrane is relatively well-developed, 41% length of fourth pelvic ray; the bony interorbital about equal to pupil diameter; the midline of predorsal mainly scaleless, but with patch of about 4 scales on middle portion; no scales on cheek; few scales dorsally on opercle; highly distinctive colour pattern with 7 alternating brown and white bars on upper side, a nearly eye-sized black spot at base of caudal fin, and pair of yellow bars on head, 1 below eye and another on opercle (Ref. 100512).
Biology:  A single individual was found together with Trimma chledophilum at the base of a sloping mud bottom, among pieces of metal wreckage. This species was invariably seen sheltering in a small enclosed 'grotto', either resting on the bottom or hovering a short distance above it. This holotype was the only individual encountered in the area despite 38 hours of diving in the immediate vicinity of this site and possibly the main population inhabits deeper waters farther from shore (Ref. 100512).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 07 September 2021 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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