Congrogadus hierichthys Jordan & Richardson, 1908
Sulu eelblenny
photo by Winterbottom, R.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Congrogadinae
Max. size:  16 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; marine
Distribution:  Western Pacific: known only from the Sulu Sea, Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 1-1; Dorsal soft rays (total): 58-62; Anal spines: 0-0; Anal soft rays: 49-51; Vertebrae: 64-67. Gill membranes fused ventrally, free from isthmus. Posterior otic sensory canal pore present. Opercle with a dark ocellated spot. Cephalic sensory canal openings rimmed with black. Dorsal margin of opercle and cheeks patched with scales. Description: Characterized by brown color with 3-4 rows of pale spots on side of body; presence of blackish stripe on head just behind the eye; absence of pelvic fins; small elliptical cycloid scales covering body (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits coral reefs among crevices, known only from Sulu Sea, Philippines (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 15 September 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Known from Cuyo, Sitankai, Iolo, and Sibutu islands. Museum: Cuyo Island, CAS-SU 20208 (Holotype). USNM 61684; ROM 46818; SOSC SP1978-17; BMNH 1933.3.11:725-727; CAS 33664, 34113, 40138, 33665; CAS-SU 26504. Also Ref. 90102, 83651.


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