GOBIIDAE


Cristatogobius nonatoae, 3.7 cm SL
(photo by Ukkrit Satapoomin)


Cristatogobius nonatoae
(Alblan, 1940)
Red-blotched Crested Goby

D VI+I, 9; A I, 9; P1 16; LR 27-29; PDS 0.

Body relatively short, compressed. Head compressed; well developed fleshy crest along mid-predorsal line; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond upper jaw; gill opening not extending anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercule. Pelvic fins united medially; frenum present. Scales ctenoid posteriorly, cycloid anteriorly; head naked. Sensory canals and pores present on head; longitudinal pattern of sensory papillae on cheek; a pair of short longitudinal sensory papillae rows just behind chin. Color: head and body brown or dark grayish brown; head and pectoral-fin base with several short irregular red lines; caudal peduncle with faint minute pale dots; dorsal fins with essentially horizontal (or a little diagonal) rows of red and yellow markings. Size: 4.4 cm SL. Distribution: Andaman Sea and West Pacific. Remarks: found in mangrove areas with soft mud bottoms.