Protogobiesox asymmetricus Fricke, Chen & Chen, 2016
Asymmetrical deep-water clingfish

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Protogobiesocinae
Max. size:  6 cm SL (male/unsexed); 5.9 cm SL (female)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 370 - 560 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 34-35. Dorsal-fin rays 9-10; anal-fin rays 8; pectoral-fin rays 17-24; principal caudal-fin rays15, gills3, the third arch with 3 gill rakers; total vertebrae 34-35, with asymmetrical lateral bending starting behind the skull, bent at an angle of 85°-92°; asymmetrical skull in frontal view; naked skin, surface of head and body without striae; disc without adhesive papillae; posterior margin may be partially fringed; region B small, left- and right-hand sides separate, larger on the right-hand side than on left-hand side (Ref. 117884).
Biology:  Found in relatively cool water in an area with temporary upwelling along the northern coast of Papua New Guinea and in association with sunken logs; its specializations and especially the lateral asymmetry may be useful to be attached to these logs (Ref. 117884).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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