| Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| Max. size: |
4 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 1 - 20 m, amphidromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa: Lake St. Lucia (Ref. 11228), Lake Sibayi and Kosi Bay, South Africa (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 13-13. Description: Body slender, elongate; head depressed (Ref. 52193). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 11 soft rays; anal fin with 1 spine and 13 soft rays; first dorsal fin of males tall and pointed; caudal rounded (Ref. 52193). Scales in lateral series 24-25; no scales on head and chest (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Body pale and translucent with red and brown flecks; oblique rows of small black spots on body; anterior portion of 1st dorsal fin dusky; pelvic and anal fin margins normally black (Ref. 2798, 52193). First dorsal fin of males sooty, with white vertical stripe (Ref. 52193). |
| Biology: |
A cryptic species occurring on sandy bottoms (Ref. 4343). Found over sand in shallow littoral areas to about 20 m depth (Ref. 7248, 52193). Buries its body in the sand, uses first dorsal fin for display and possibly as a lure to attract prey (Ref. 7248, 52193). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 25 January 2017 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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