Istigobius decoratus (Herre 1927)

Color highly variable, brownish on upper half, grading to white below; dark brown scale margins forming honeycomb pattern and midlateral row of double dark brown spots forming rectangular markings (Ref. 90102); segmented and non branching caudal rays 3 (rarely 2), branching 14 (rarely 15). Predorsal cycloid scales 7-10, trunk ctenoid. Few with no black spots on nape. Isthmus narrow, scaled forward to vertical at posterior part of preoperculum. 2 diagonal, dusky lines on operculum; an inverted U-shaped spot prominent at the distal end of upper jaw. Pectoral fin with small dusky spots; 2 longitudinal lines on pectoral base spreading onto it fin rays. Sexual dimorphism exhibited in anal, pelvic and 2nd dorsal fin (Ref. 420).

Genital papilla of male sometimes darkly pigmented and reaching to side of anal spine. Female genital papilla truncate, ending well before origin of anal fin.

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 26

Common on coralline sand in areas of clear water.

A common species that inhabits areas of coralline sand of clear lagoon and seaward reefs (Ref. 9710, 48637). Found singly. Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.

aquarium: commercial