Pleurosicya carolinensis Larson, 1990
Caroline Islands ghost goby
Pleurosicya carolinensis
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 6 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Iwayama Bay, Palau (Ref. 33021).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by brown to greenish body color with dense pepper-like melanophores covering especially on head and lower sides; presence of faint dark bars on sides; saddle-like dark markings along dorsal fin base; longitudinal scale series 23-27; head and nape without scales; restricted gill opening to base of pectoral fin; relatively elongated body, depth at anus 5.6-7.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Lives in association with seagrasses (Ref. 34765,48637). Holotype taken from a reef flat (Ref. 33021). Commensal with sponges (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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