Tomicodon abuelorum Szelistowski, 1990

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Gobiesocinae
Max. size:  3.34 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine
Distribution:  Eastern Central Pacific: Costa Rica.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-12; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 8-10; Vertebrae: 29-31. 4 (4-5) pairs of trifid incisors in upper jaw, 4 pairs in lower jaw; anus markedly closer to anal fin origin than to rear of disc; dorsal-caudal distance forward passing tip of, usually extending to about middle of, pectoral fin; margin of anterior nostril without dermal flap (Ref. 42103). Nearly transparent, light olive; body markings quite variable in intensity, ranging from dark and distinct to light and indistinct, sometimes giving an overall mottled appearance (Ref. 42103).
Biology:  Found in areas with mangrove prop roots, usually attached to, or moving about and feeding from, root surfaces at high tide (Ref. 42103). Stomach contents contained barnacle cirri and barnacle cyprid larvae, Sphaeroma peruvianum, small oysters and other bivalves, amphipods, and harpacticoid copepods (Ref. 42103).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 25 May 2007 (B1ab(i,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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