Barrel-sponge ghostgoby

Appearance

A semi-transparent goby covered in fine dark speckling, with a brown stripe on side of snout, and internal brown, dash-like markings with white or yellow pigment along the upper edge of the vertebral column.
Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Characterized by semi-transparent body with fine dark speckling; side of snout with brown stripe; internal brown, dash-like markings with white or yellow pigment along dorsal edge of vertebral column; longitudinal scale series 24-27; scaled head and nape; restricted gill opening to pectoral fin base; depth of body at anus 5.0-7.7 in SL.

Distribution

Indo-West Pacific: Malaysia to Philippines north to Japan, south to Australia.

Behavior

Often in groups.

Habitat

Inhabits coastal slopes, usually on barrel sponges in 10-30 meters depth.