Priolepis psygmophilia Winterbottom & Burridge, 1993
Latticed goby
Southern reefgoby
Priolepis psygmophilia
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4.7 cm NG (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 0 - 40 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Kermadec, Lord Howe, Pitcairn, Easter Island and French Polynesia (Rapa).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following characters: interorbital trench absent, merely a slight depression between and behind eyes; incomplete squamation on predorsal, a naked triangular area behind eyes and interorbital area, and a naked bar extending forward from origin of first dorsal fin; in specimens below 20 mm SL midline usually naked, anterior extent of predorsal scales on sides of nape increasing with increasing size; no opercular scales; no scales on cheek; D2 modally I,11; A modally I,9; pectoral rays usually 19-20; reduced transverse pattern of sensory papillae on cheek; pelvic fins connected to form a plate, no interspinal membrane, fifth ray branched; each scale pocket with concentrated melanophores along margin forming a diamond-shaped mark; preserved specimens with vertical bands on head, often none on body; in life, 1-2 very faint vertical bars under first dorsal fin; mouth oblique, forming an angle of 35°-45° with body axis (Ref. 85603).
Biology:  Occurs in rocky and coral reefs from the intertidal to depths of over 20 m (Ref. 85603).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Lord Howe Island (Ref. 075154).


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