GOBIIDAE Asterropteryx ensifera, 1.6 cm SL (photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin) Asterropteryx ensifera (Bleeker, 1874) Cheekspine Goby D VI+I, 10; A I, 9; P1 16-17; LR 23- 25; PDS 6-7. Body relatively short, compressed. Head compressed; single spinous projection at posterior margin of preopercle; gill opening not extending anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle; tongue rounded or near truncate. Third spine of first dorsal fin elongate and filamentous; pelvic fins almost separated; frenum absent. Scales on head and body ctenoid, exclusive of cheek, ventral part of operculum, occipitai region, branchiostegal membrane, pectoralfin base and breast with cycloid scales; snout, interorbital space and jaws naked. Sensory canals and pores present on head; distinct transverse pattern of sensory-papillae rows on cheek; a pair of short longitudinal rows of sensory papillae just behind chin. Color: head and body grayish brown with numerous bright blue dots; several faint broad dusky vertical bars on body; no distinct dusky blotches on side of belly. Size: 3.0 cm SL. Distribution: Indo-Pacific. Remarks: found in protected bays, coral reefs and lagoons.