Alabes parvula (McCulloch, 1909)
Pygmy shore-eel

Family:  Gobiesocidae (Clingfishes and singleslits), subfamily: Cheilobranchinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine; depth range 3 - 6 m
Distribution:  Southwest Pacific: Australia (Ref. 9002) and Norfolk Island (Ref. 8879).
Diagnosis:  Diagnosis: It differs from its congeners with its elongate transparent body. Gill slit small. Rudimentary pelvic fin absent. Postocular pore 1, anterior nasal and lacrymal pores present, posterior nasal pore absent. Vertebrae total 63-74, precaudal 17-19; last epineural on the 16th -20th vertebra. Caudal rays 4-6. Gut extension short. Tail length long. Dorsal origin over the anus. Male has its anterior part of the body with tiger-like pattern of irregular reddish-brown bars which are continued onto head and break into spots, it also continue posteriorly, and break into spots; the abdominal area is bright orange to yellow with 4 large bluish black circular to rectangular blotches, arranged in a horizontal line along lower side, extending over half distance to urogenital opening (Ref. 56640).
Biology:  Inhabits coastal reefs, preferably in areas with dense brown weeds. Found in small groups in 3-6 m (Ref. 9002, 56640).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 13 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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