Bryaninops amplus Larson, 1985
Large whip goby
Bia,  Paku
photo by Goebbels, D.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4.6 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 30 m
Distribution:  Indo-Pacific: Natal, South Africa (Ref. 11228) and Madagascar to the Hawaiian Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 6-9. Characterized by semi-transparent reddish body color, blends in well with host gorgonian; iris with gold inner ring, broad red outer ring; 2-4 lowermost pectoral rays are unbranched; longitudinal scale series 37-79; short and cup-like pelvic fins; thickened and lobed skin surrounding pelvic spines; opening of gill extending ventrally to below pectoral fin base (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Benthic (Ref. 58302). Live exclusively on, or in close association with gorgonian seawhips Junceella fragilis and Junceela juncea which usually occur in groups in areas exposed to currents at depths of 5 to more than 30 m (Ref. 1602, 58302). May also live on other species like Ellisella maculata, or even on mooring lines (Ref. 1602). Also Ref. 48637.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 February 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Also Ref. 1602.


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