Asterropteryx profunda Allen & Erdmann, 2016
photo by Erdmann, M.V.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  2.27 cm SL (male/unsexed); 2.4 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 45 - 65 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species which belongs to the spinosa complex is distinguished by the following characters: cheek spines 4-6; all cheek spines short and similar sized, the longest 1.5-1.6% SL; dorsal-fin without filamentous spines. Colouration: first dorsal-fin without distinct black spot; caudal-fin base with a small, vertically ovate black spot; when alive or fresh, numerous small orange spots on head, body, and median fins, relatively broad (slightly narrower than eye diameter), and a dark bar below eye with broadly rounded lower edge (Ref. 126739).
Biology:  Occurs on gently sloping, sandy bottoms at about 65 m. In Lembeh Strait, habitat consisted of black volcanic sand exposed to considerable current, whereas in Lawadi, the bottom was silty sand with little noticeable water movement. It was not previously noticed because of its small size and occurrence in relatively deep waters; more likely to be widely distributed in the East Indian region (Ref. 126739).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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