Platygobiopsis akihito Springer & Randall, 1992
Imperial goby
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  13 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 15 - 20 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: known only from Flores, Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 12-12. Characterized by brownish body color with six diffuse dark saddles across back; pelvic fins united, well developed frenum; long and pointed caudal fin, about 2.8-3.0 in SL; longitudinal scale series 60-70; cycloid scales anteriorly, dorsally and ventrally on body, becoming ctenoid posterolaterally on body at level of tip of adpress pectoral fins; head without scales except dorsally on nape; predorsal scales 17-22; each side of chin with tiny barbel; extremely slender head and body, dorsally depressed; depth of body 17.2-22.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in large vertical burrows of crustaceans on sloping silty sand and mud bottoms in 15-20 m (Ref. 90102). Seen together with Apogon, Acanthocepola Gymnothorax, Nemipterus, Muraenichthys, Yirrkala, Priolepis, Oxymetopon species, Oxymetopon cyanoctenosum, Yongeichthys criniger, Amblypomacentrus breviceps, and unidentified gobiids, flatfish, muraenids.
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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