Translucent Coral Goby

Bryaninops erythrops is a species of marine fish in the family Gobiidae.

Description

This fish is a small size that can reach a maximum size of 2.3 cm length. It is characterized by semi-transparent head and body with white internal pigment over brain. Upper surface of vertebral column is white internal white stripe. Ventral half of body with six faint reddish internal bars. Lower half of body is obscured by reddish brown to violet brown or purple streak and ending at caudal fin base. There is presence of brown saddles along back. All pectoral rays are usually unbranched. Longitudinal scale series 34-49; broad and disc-like pelvic fins, reaching to anus or beyond; opening of gill usually reaching to below rear edge of eye. Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9.

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Chagos Islands, Philippines, Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Samoa; Mariana, eastern Caroline and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.

Habitat

Lives on certain branching coral forms of fire coral (Millepora spp.) and on other massive corals ones (e.g. like Porites cylindrica, P. lutea) in shallow lagoons at depths of 1 to 10 m.