Miki's Pygmy-goby

Other names: White-line Eviota or Yellow and Whitestriped Pygmygoby.

Description

This pygmy goby is a small sized fish, it can grow up to a size of 35 millimetres (1.4 in) length. Posterior rays of second dorsal and anal fins are elongate, forming a lanceolate shape. Body is generally whitish with dark pigment along base of anal fin, extending along ventral edge of caudal peduncle. Small dark spot usually present at lower caudal fin base. Nostrils dark and pair of brown spots of variable intensity usually present on top of head, just behind eyes. Pectoral fin rays simple; spinous dorsal fin moderately elongate in both sexes, second and third rays longest, fifth pelvic fin ray well developed, two-tenths to three-tenths length of fourth ray; cephalic sensory pore system lacking IT and PITO pores, and AITO pore single (except double in smallest paratype) and very small. Body relatively short, compressed. Head slightly compressed; jaws subequal; gill opening not reaching anteriorly to a vertical through preopercular margin. Pelvic fins almost separated; frenum absent. Scales ctenoid; head, breast, and pectoral-fin base naked. Sensory canals and pores present on head; reduced longitudinal pattern of sensory-papillae rows on cheek; a pair of sensory papillae just behind chin.

Distribution

The Miki's pygmy-goby is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean.

Habitat

Inhabits rich coral reef slopes with moderate tidal currents, in small groups on large coral heads.