GOBIIDAE Fusigobius neophytus, 2.8 cm SL (photo by Richiard Winterbottom) Fusigobius neophytus (Günther, 1877) Novice Sandgoby D VI+I, 9; A I, 8; P1 16-19; LR 24-25; PDS 0. Body moderately elongate, compressed posteriorly. Head slightly compressed; snout pointed; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond upper jaw; gill opening not extending anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle; tongue rounded or near truncate. No elongate, filamentous spine on first dorsal fin; pelvic fins united medially; frenum present. 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 grayish speckles; vertically elongate dusky spot on mid-lateral caudal peduncle; a minute black spot between first and second spines of first dorsal fin. Size: 4.0 cm SL. Distribution: Indo Pacific. Remarks: found on flat sandy bottoms around coral patches in coral reefs.