Kraemeria galatheaensis Rofen, 1958
Galathea sand dart

Family:  Kraemeriidae (Sand darters)
Max. size:  4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 1 m
Distribution:  Western Central Pacific.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 14-14; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 13-13. Description: Characterized by translucent whitish color with scattered melanophores on top of head; broadly separated spinous and soft portions of dorsal rays, fully connected by membrane; broader gap between fifth and sixth dorsal spines compared to gap between previous spines; pectoral rays all branched except uppermost and lowermost; pelvic fins separated to base with branched rays; enlarged and protruding upper lip; strongly scalloped preopercle margins, lip folds and gill cover; depth of body 7.0-9.1 in SL; head length 3.2-4.4 in SL; broad interorbital space, at least twice eye diameter (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Members of this family burrow in shallow marine to estuarine areas with fine coral sand or muddy sand bottoms (Ref. 48316). Of no commercial interest but may be taken incidentally (Ref. 48316).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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