Stiphodon sapphirinus Watson, Keith & Marquet, 2005
Sapphire stiphodon
Stiphodon sapphirinus
photo by Dubosc, J.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Sicydiinae
Max. size:  3.04 cm SL (male/unsexed); 2.88 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; depth range - 5 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Oceania: throughout New Caledonia in both the North Province and South Province. Vanuatu (Ref. 87781).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-10. First dorsal fin in males with fourth spine long, filamentous and without membrane beyond the fin; males usually have no scales (0-6) in predorsal midline, whereas females usually have predorsal scales (0-12); males have more and larger symphyseal teeth, 2 (0-4) vs. 2 (0-2) in females. Scales in transverse forward series 7-15. Males with somewhat variable coloration: the head and body cobalt blue that is especially prominent above the midline; dorsal fins generally clear with cobalt blue present on spine and often membrane close to base and anal fin whitish or bluish basally (Ref. 56893).
Biology:  Inhabits clear swift streams and has been found in streams from near sea level to well above small waterfalls at higher elevations (Ref. 56893). Usually prefers to inhabit one of boulders and slab bottom streams usually with little or no sand and gravel (Ref. 56893). Generally found in riffles but on occasion has been collected in swift waters above waterfalls (Ref. 56893).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 30 August 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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