Rhinogobius tandikan Maeda, Kobayshi & Palla, 2021
Tandikan goby
Rhinogobius tandikan
photo by Maeda, K.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobionellinae
Max. size:  4.69 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4.57 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-8; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 26-26. This species is distinguished by the following characters pectoral fin 16-17 rays; nape and posterior part of occipital region covered by cycloid scales with the scaled area extending anteriorly to around a vertical line through posterior margin of preopercle or a little posterior to this line; longitudinal scales 29-34, predorsal scales 5-13; total vertebrae 26; cephalic sensory pore system usually with B´, C, D(S), E, F, H´, K´, L´, M´, N, and O´, but often lacking one or both side(s) of pore C; cheek with transverse rows of sensory papillae. Colouration: when preserved, the lateral and dorsal sides of body with no mesh-like markings, obscure markings on cheek, and upper half of pectoral fin with dark brown band vertically across proximal part; when fresh, pectoral-fin base with a bright white vertical band reaching near bottom of fin (Ref. 125663).
Biology:  This species is found only in the Cayulo River which is a small stream (length approximately 4 km including 1 km of an estuary) flowing into Ulugan Bay on South China Sea-side of the island. The stream system is surrounded by mountains of about 200-400 m above sea level. The Cayulo Falls is composed of a series of small waterfalls, located at the middle reaches of this stream and the species was found at both the lower and upper reaches of this waterfall, as well as pools in the middle of the falls. It was abundant in this site with many other goby species, cyprinids, and a jungle perch species (Ref. 125663).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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