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Gobiiformes (Gobies) >
Gobiidae (Gobies) > Gobiinae
Etymology: Asterropteryx: Greek, a = with + Greek, sterros, -a, -on = consistent + Greek, pteryx = fin (Ref. 45335); ovata: Name from Latin 'ovata' meaning egg-shaped, refers from the large ovoid black spot on the base of caudal fin.
Environment: milieu / climate zone / depth range / distribution range
Ecology
Marine; demersal; depth range 15 - 40 m (Ref. 75136). Tropical
Western Pacific: Sulawesi (Indonesia) and Ponape (Caroline Islands), including Japanese waters; probably more widely distributed in the area and the Indian Ocean.
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 2.7 cm SL male/unsexed; (Ref. 75136)
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. This species differs from the other species of the spinosa complex in having the following set of characters: cheek spines 3-6; largest cheek spine slender obviously longer than other spines, length 2.6-6.3% SL; a pupil- or eyesized ovoid black spot on base of caudal fin (extending anteriorly to third mid-lateral scale before posterior margin of hypural); head, body and dorsal fins when alive or fresh has numerous orange speckles; first dorsal fin with no distinct black spot (Ref. 75136); characterized further by having prolonged fourth dorsal spine, forms long filament in adult; longitudinal scale series 22-24; ctenoid predorsal and body scales; cycloid scales in cheek, opercle, pectoral-fin base and prepelvic area; rounded caudal fin; depth of body 3.2-3.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Body shape (shape guide): elongated; Cross section: compressed.
Occurs in coral-reef slopes in the protected bays, found solitary on muddy or sandy-mud bottoms with dead-coral rubbles under the heavy growth of corals (Ref. 75136).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Shibukawa, K. and T. Suzuki, 2007. Two new species of the cheek-spine goby genus Asterropteryx (Perciformes: Goiidae: Gobiinae) from the western Pacific. Bull. Natl. Mus. Nat. Sci., Ser. A, Suppl 1:109-121. (Ref. 75136)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 130435: Version 2025-2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
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