False Comet Dwarfgoby

This species is distinguished by the following: body depth ca. 27-31% SL; pectoral-fin rays usually 14; cephalic sensory-canal pore pattern lacking only the IT pore, AITO small and opening dorsally; pectoral-fin rays unbranched; dorsal/anal-fin formula 8/7; fifth pelvic-fin ray 8-15% of 4th ray. Colouration: with a large and dark oval spot on area of preural centrum connected to a short, vertically elongate spot over end of hypural plate; caudal fin of freshly dead specimens with no prominent vertical bars; naris long and reddish brown; side of body with prominent red lateral streak bordered dorsally by 3-5 elongate white dashes; eye with two distinct horizontal stripes, one white crossing through lower margin of pupil, the other yellow crossing upper margin of pupil (Ref. 126557).

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

This species apparaently prefers outer reef slopes exposed to clear oceanic water and is frequently observed resting individually on coralline algae outcrops or live plate corals (Ref. 126577).