Sapphire Stiphodon

First dorsal fin in males with fourth spine long, filamentous and without membrane beyond the fin; males usually have no scales (0-6) in predorsal midline, whereas females usually have predorsal scales (0-12); males have more and larger symphyseal teeth, 2 (0-4) vs. 2 (0-2) in females. Scales in transverse forward series 7-15. Males with somewhat variable coloration: the head and body cobalt blue that is especially prominent above the midline; dorsal fins generally clear with cobalt blue present on spine and often membrane close to base and anal fin whitish or bluish basally (Ref. 56893).

Amphidromous. Refers to fishes that regularly migrate between freshwater and the sea (in both directions), but not for the purpose of breeding, as in anadromous and catadromous species. Sub-division of diadromous. Migrations should be cyclical and predictable and cover more than 100 km.Characteristic elements in amphidromy are: reproduction in fresh water, passage to sea by newly hatched larvae, a period of feeding and growing at sea usually a few months long, return to fresh water of well-grown juveniles, a further period of feeding and growing in fresh water, followed by reproduction there (Ref. 82692).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 10

Inhabits clear swift streams and has been found in streams from near sea level to well above small waterfalls at higher elevations (Ref. 56893). Usually prefers to inhabit one of boulders and slab bottom streams usually with little or no sand and gravel (Ref. 56893). Generally found in riffles but on occasion has been collected in swift waters above waterfalls (Ref. 56893).

Stiphodon sapphirinus, the sapphire stiphodon, is a species of goby found both the North Province and South Province of New Caledonia and in Vanuatu. This species can reach a length of 3.0 centimetres (1.2 in) SL.