Paragobiodon melanosoma (Bleeker, 1853)
Dark coral goby
Paragobiodon melanosoma
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  3.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Madagascar to New Guinea; north to Ryukyu Islands; south to the southern Great Barrier Reef; all of Micronesia.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by uniform black color of head, body and fins; ctenoid scales except cycloid on abdomen; head and nape without scales, presence of bristle-like papillae; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; longitudinal scale series 22-27; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 3.0-3.1 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Paired individuals occur in colonies of Seriatopora spp. (Ref. 1602). Monogamous (Ref. 52884).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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