Scaly cheek-hook goby

📖 Overview

Scaly cheek-hook goby (Ancistrogobius squamiceps) is a ray-finned fish. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 3 cm. It occurs at depths between 20 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.2, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9. This species is unique from its congeners in having the following characters: nape broadly covered by scales (12 predorsal scales); with patch of scales on upper part of operculum; in life or when fresh, filamentous part of third dorsal spine entirely pale; anterior tip of sensory papilla row b meeting row 3 anteriorly; sensory papilla rows x^1 and x^2 continuous, not interrupted by row trp (sensory papilla rows trp short, restricted under rows x^1 + x^2); third spine of first dorsal fin elongate, filamentous, distinctly longer than preceding spine; 20 pectoral-fin rays; pelvic fins fused medially, well developed connecting membrane and frenum; length of fifth segmented ray of pelvic fin 85.0-92.4% of preceding ray; a distinct, black vertical bar below eye; distal tip of first dorsal fin with a black blotch, wide, extending posteriorly to middle of third interspinal membrane; sensory papilla row 4 short, well apart from eye (always restricted below row b) .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Scaly cheek-hook goby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; benthopelagic; depth range 20 - 30 m . Subtropical Northwest Pacific: Japan.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

👥 Community & Contribute