Valenciennea longipinnis (Lay & Bennett, 1839)
Long-finned goby
Valenciennea longipinnis
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  18 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 11-13. Characterized by pale grey body color, grading to white ventrally; presence of five, blue-edged bars extending ventrally to middle of side, each bar containing reddish brown to black blotch at bottom; blue bands; spots on head; pectoral fin base with a pair of pink stripes; dorsal fin with narrow pink bands and blue to reddish spots on second dorsal and caudal fins; without dorsal filamentous spines; rhomboid caudal fin, longer than head; length of caudal fin 2.7 in SL; longitudinal scale series 80-121; ctenoid body scales , becoming cycloid anteriorly below first or second dorsal spine; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward to above middle of operculum; usually scaled pectoral fin base in adult; partly or fully scaled prepelvic area of adult; depth of body 6.0-6.7 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Occurs in areas of fine sand and shallow lagoon reefs at depths less than 3 m, rarely at depths greater than 6 m. Adults usually in pairs, constructing burrows under rubble. Monogamous (Ref. 52884, 48637). Feeds on small invertebrates (e.g. copepods, amphipods, ostracods, nematodes, and foraminiferans) by sifting mouthfuls of sand.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 27 August 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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