Paragobiodon echinocephalus (Rüppell, 1830)
Redhead goby
photo by Herler, J.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 47 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Marquesan and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-10. Head reddish-orange; body and fins black (Ref. 1602); characterized further by having ctenoid scales except cycloid on abdomen; scaleless head and nape with bristle-like papillae; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; longitudinal scale series 23-25; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 3.0-3.2 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Lives among branches of Stylophora coral. Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Usually in small groups, also found in lagoon and seaward reefs in 1-10 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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