Briggsia hastingsi Craig & Randall, 2009
Briggsia hastingsi
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Diademichthyinae
Max. size:  2.2 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine
Distribution:  Indian Ocean: Oman, southeastern coast, Rahah Bay (Ref. 82558).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 4; Anal soft rays: 4; Vertebrae: 29. A monotypic genus of Aspasminae with no prominent vertical ridges on side of body; head large, its length 2.5 in SL; head width 3.9 in SL; body depth 6.1 in SL; disc double and moderately large, 3.9 in SL; dorsal and anal fins small, posterior on body, each with 4 rays; pectoral rays 23; gill rakers on second arch 9, on third arch 10 (Ref. 82558). A species of aspasimine gobiesocid with dorsal and anal fins posterior on body, each with 4 rays; pectoral rays 23; caudal fin broad and rounded, with 10 principal rays; gill rakers on first gill arch 9, on third arch 10; head large, its length 2.5 in SL; body depth 6.1 in SL; disc double and well-separated; disc length 3.9 in SL; disc width 4.4 in SL; color in alcohol uniform tan; color when fresh dark reddish gray with numerous blue dots on side of body except posteriorly, and a few on postorbital head; a dark purplish brown stripe from front of snout, continuing posterior to eye; head ventral to stripe yellowish white; a distinct orange ring around pupil (Ref. 82558).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 19 July 2017 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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