GOBIIDAE


Fusigobius melacron, 2.9 cm SL
(photo by Richiard Winterbottom)


Fusigobius melacron
(Randall, 2001)
Blacktip Sandgoby

D VI+I, 10; A I, 9; P1 18-21; LR 25-26; PDS 0.

Body moderately elongate and compressed. Head slightly compressed; snout pointed; upper jaw slightly projecting beyond lower jaw; gill opening not extending anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle; tongue rounded or near truncate. Anterior some spines of first dorsal fin elongate but not filamentous; no filamentous pectoral-fin rays free from membrane; pelvic fins almost separated; frenum absent. Scales on body ctenoid, exclusive of side of nape, breast and pectoral-fin base with cycloid scales; head naked. Sensory canals and pores present on head; reduced longitudinal pattern of sensory papillae on cheek; a pair of sensory papillae just behind chin. Color: head and body pale, with numerous dark brown speckles; distal half of first dorsal fin black. Size: 4.0 cm SL. Distribution: Indo Pacific. Remarks: found on flat sandy bottoms around coral patches in coral reefs.