Inhabits coastal reef slopes in a depth range of about 6 to 30 meters depth (Ref. 48637). Found over rubble and sand near reefs. Usually seen in pairs occupying the same burrow. It uses burrows made by alpheid shrimps which live in association with gobies of the genus Amblyeleotris, but does not interact with the shrimps.

Pacific Ocean: Philippines to the Line Islands, north to southern Japan, south to northwestern Australia and New South Wales.

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 24 - 26; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 22 - 25; Vertebrae: 26

Maximum size: 120 mm NG

12.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710))

Pale blue to light bluish gray in color. Operculum with 2 broad, curved, bright blue bands. 4 to 6 median barbels (like bumps in juveniles). 2nd spine of 2nd dorsal fin elongated; caudal fin of adults with trailing filaments; diagonally elongate red to violet spot usually present on lower base of pectoral fin.

Depth range based on 7 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 7 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 4.7 - 52
  Temperature range (°C): 23.822 - 28.545
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.226 - 1.522
  Salinity (PPS): 32.183 - 34.488
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.406 - 4.847
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.185 - 0.441
  Silicate (umol/l): 1.571 - 15.721

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 4.7 - 52

Temperature range (°C): 23.822 - 28.545

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.226 - 1.522

Salinity (PPS): 32.183 - 34.488

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.406 - 4.847

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.185 - 0.441

Silicate (umol/l): 1.571 - 15.721
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

reef-associated; marine; depth range 3 - 50 m (Ref. 27115), usually 6 - 30 m (Ref. 48637)

Not Evaluated

aquarium: commercial