Eviota abax (Jordan & Snyder, 1901)
Sand-table dwarfgoby
Eviota abax
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Northwest Pacific: endemic to Japan.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Males exhibit non-territorial home range, using small holes, rock cracks, or empty oyster shells as a spawning nest. Aggressive behavior with other males were observed, which includes heads up, open mouth, expanded fins, and lateral displays that could result in biting. The male approaches a female’s home range, displayed, and then leads the female to the nesting area, after which after entering the nest, spawning takes place. The female leaves and the male guards the eggs, cleaning them with his mouth and ventilating them with his pectoral and caudal fins (Ref. 116739).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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