Istigobius maleta
Istigobius maleta Allen & Erdmann, 2024

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  5.11 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4.24 cm SL (female)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 12 - 45 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-9; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following set of characters: predorsal fully scaled, scales entirely cycloid, except ctenoid row immediately above operculum; anterior naris forming short tube, situated midway between eye and upper lip; suborbital relatively narrow about equal to pupil diameter; prepelvic area covered with large cycloid scales, extending nearly to level of posterior margin of eye; a distinct brown stripe across middle of cheek in live and preserved specimens; midside of body with five large rectangular dark spots in live and preserved specimens; and numerous orange spots on sides, dorsal fins, and caudal fin of live specimens (Ref. 138626).
Biology: 
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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