Coryogalops pseudomonospilus Kovačić & Bogorodsky, 2014

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.15 cm SL (male/unsexed); 1.93 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 7 - 8 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 10-10. This species is characterized by the following: D VI + I,11, with the 2nd-6th spines of first dorsal fin reaching spine of second fin in male, and at least the 4th spine of first dorsal fin reaching spine of second fin in female; A I,10; pectoral-fin rays 16-17, the 2 upper rays with free tips; pelvic fins I,5, both are joined to form a disc, moderately emarginate (the shortest branches of fifth ray about 4/5 length of longest branches of fourth ray), well-developed frenum, its height in midline 1/3-2/5 length of pelvic spine; longitudinal scale series 33-35; transverse scale rows to base of first dorsal fin and to base of second dorsal fin same with 9; circumpeduncular scale rows 12; head with 7 transverse suborbital rows of sensory papillae, with 5 rows in front of row b and 2 above row b, sixth row interrupted by row b; without tentacle above upper eye margin; anterior nostril is tubular, without flap at its tip, posterior nostril slightly raised; head pigmented except for the pale band from the lower margin of eye to rear part of mouth, including angle of jaw; first dorsal fin with a nearly square dark maroon, suffused with black, blotch larger than pupil on second and third membranes at base of fin, linked with first spine by a dark band across first membrane; preserved specimen also with the oblique broad dark band visible above and behind the blotch, covering upper and posterior parts of fin (Ref. 97667).
Biology:  Specimens were collected at the base of a small isolated coral patch at depth of 7-8 m in a large shallow-water lagoon which is characterized by mixture of isolated coral reefs and broad flats covered with coral patches and sand. This species was collected at the island where reef flat ends by fringing reef with depth at base about 2-3 m, followed by moderate sandy slope that has scattered small coral patches down to 12-15 m (Ref. 97667).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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