Trimma macrophthalmus (Tomiyama, 1936)
Large-eyed pygmygoby
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 5 - 35 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Cocos (Keeling) to Vietnam and Japan, south and east to the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, and Samoa.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Very similar to T. okinawae but lacks predorsal scales (Ref. 37816). Body with ctenoid scales except ventral midline and pectoral base with cycloid scales. Transverse scales 7-8. Mouth slightly oblique upwards. Second spine longest in 1st dorsal; rays of 2nd dorsal nearly equal; anal fin similar to 2nd dorsal; pectoral reaches to vertical of anus; pelvic fins without frenum but connected to basal membrane (Ref. 43541); characterized further by body with greyish matrix with dense red to orange spotting on head and body; median fins with faint yellow spotting; pair of large red spots on base of pectoral fin; longitudinal scale series 26-27; cheek and opercle without scales; depth of body 3.9-4.2 in TL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Bottom-dweller of seaward reefs (Ref. 37816). Usually in small groups in caves and under ledges (Ref. 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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