Redhead Goby

Color pattern similar to P. echinocephalus (i.e. reddish orange head an black body and fins), but has shorter papillae on head. Midline of belly naked (Ref. 1602). Transverse scales 10-11. Mouth strongly curved downward; lips thick; chin heavy and square. Entire nape naked. Opercles with short, soft prickles or fibrils which also occur from lower margin of preopercles to mouth; ventrals also covered with similar prickles; dorsal fins very close together; dorsal base discontinuous; 2nd dorsal higher than 1st, posterior rays elongated; anal similar to 2nd dorsal but lower; caudal rounded; pectoral broad (Ref. 43541); characterized further by: longitudinal scale series 22-24; scales ctenoid except head, nape, pectoral region, breast and midventral portion of abdomen; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 3.0-3.4 in SL (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10

Occurs among the branches of live Pocillopora, in lagoons to a depth of at least 7 m (Ref. 1602). Also found among branches of Seriatopora corals in 3-15 m (Ref 90102).