Limnichthys fasciatus Waite, 1904 Barred sand burrower |
photo by
Randall, J.E. |
Family: | Creediidae (Sandburrowers) | |||
Max. size: | 5 cm TL (male/unsexed) | |||
Environment: | reef-associated; marine | |||
Distribution: | Western Pacific: Japan to Australia and the Kermadec Islands. Recently reported from Tonga (Ref. 53797). | |||
Diagnosis: | Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-43; Anal soft rays: 22-40. Body fully scale. At least some of the dorsal saddles reaching a distinct lateral band. Combined number of soft rays in dorsal and anal fins usually 49 to 55 (Ref 12874). | |||
Biology: | A cryptic species that occurs on sandy or gravel bottoms. Pointed snout is used for burrowing; eyes directed upwards for sighting prey. Found from shallow tide pools to at least 150 m (Ref. 2334). Eyes move independently and possess a refractive cornea, a convexiclivate fovea and a non-spherical lens (Ref. 50869). Neither cleitheral spine gland nor anterolateral glandural goove with gland is present (Ref. 57406). | |||
IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435) | |||
Threat to humans: | harmless |