Eviota prasites Jordan & Seale, 1906
Hairfin dwarfgoby
Eviota prasites
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Vietnam, Indonesia (Moluccas), east and northward to Japan (Ryukyu Islands); east through Micronesia (Palau, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia [Yap], Kiribati [Gilbert Islands]); including New Caledonia, Samoa, and French Polynesia; south through Melanesia to Australia (Great Barrier Reef).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 6-7. This species is distinguished by the following characters: cephalic sensory-canal pore system lacks the IT pore (pattern 2); unbranched pectoral-fin rays; dorsal/anal-fin formula is 8/7; fifth pelvic-fin ray 40% of fourth ray; abdomen without the black peritoneum clearly visible externally; upper portion of pectoral-fin base with a dark spot when dead, and which is lacking or less visible in life; when alive. there is a distinctive red line running from the tip of the lower jaw back under the eye across the cheek (Ref. 107299). Description: Body translucent grey color; presence of red mid-lateral body stripe; upper head with white stripes; interrupted white stripe on back; lower anterior body with two rows of white spots; first five dorsal spines frequently prolonged in male; all pectoral rays unbranched; longitudinal scale series 21-23; ctenoid scales, absent on head, nape and base of pectoral fin; separated pelvic fins, thin membrane joining bases; 4-5 branches on fourth pelvic ray; depth of body 3.9-4.8 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits rubble of lagoon reefs (Ref. 37816). Also occurs in various reef habitats to about 15 meters depth (Ref. 48637). Occurs in small groups (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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