Eviota guttata Lachner & Karnella, 1978
Spotted dwarfgoby
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  3.2 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 15 m
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Gulf of Oman, Seychelles, and Maldives. Records from the Pacific Ocean are most likely E. cf. teresae (except Fiji with E. teresae).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. This species is similar to Eviota albolineata in having similar counts or measurements. Color differences in live and preserved materials are distinct, however, with E. guttata having a dark spot on the ventral side of the head on the isthmus, about in line with the posterior portion of the maxilla and presence of a few scattered melanophores on the underside of the lower jaw near the tip, the intensity of the dark pigmentation varies, from a few melanophores to a very dark area (absent in E. albolineata) (Ref. 83982). Dorsal to anal fin-ray formula 9/8 (Ref. 116739). Description: Characterized further by longitudinal scale series 23-25; ctenoid scales, absence on head, nape and pectoral fin base; separated pelvic fins, thin membrane joins bases; 6-9 branches on fourth pelvic ray; depth of body 6.5-7.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits shallow reefs with mixed algae and coral growth to about 15 meters depth (Ref. 48637). Occurs in coastal and insular areas.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 19 June 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.