Rhyacichthys aspro (Valenciennes, 1837)
Loach goby
photo by Shao, K.T.

Family:  Rhyacichthyidae (Loach gobies)
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine, amphidromous
Distribution:  Asia and Oceania: Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, China and some Japanese islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 8-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by having enlarged, thickened and wide pectoral fins; widely spaced broad fleshy pelvic fin; head and snout flattened, small dorsolaterally oriented eyes; small ventrally placed mouth; accessory lateral line canals dorsal and ventral to the lateral line on the body, including caudal fin base; caudal fin large (Ref. 92840).
Biology:  Inhabits relatively steep gradient coastal streams in hilly or mountainous terrain. Feeds on algae and diatoms; effectively clings on rocks and boulders with its broadened pelvic and pectoral fins and flattened head and snout (Ref. 92840).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 02 January 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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