Mauligobius nigri (Günther 1861)

Diagnosis: anterior nostril with rim process divided into several tentacles (Ref. 39517, 57403, 79590). Scales on lower cheek and operculum; 40-46 ctenoid scales in longitudinal series (including about 4-6 scales on the caudal fin base), and 15-17 in rearward transverse series; 1st dorsal fin: VI; second dorsal fin: I,10; anal fin: I,8-9; pectoral fins: 24-26, outer (dorsal) 9-10 rays short, multifid and free from membrane (Ref. 57403, 79590). Anal fin base shorter than caudal peduncle (Ref. 39517). Coloration: Preserved specimens: head with dark mottling (Ref. 39517, 57403, 79590). Body dark, with about a dozen small spots along the lateral midline (Ref. 39517, 57403, 79590), darker in color than the background pigmentation (Ref. 57403), but lacking vertical dark bars (Ref. 39517). 1st and 2nd dorsal fins with 2-3 oblique rows of small white spots; pelvic fins/disc paler than other fins (Ref. 39517, 57403, 79590). In life: body chestnut-brown , with dorsal, caudal and pectoral fins spotted with brown; anal and pelvic fins blackish (Ref. 57403, 79590).

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

Occurs inshore (Ref. 4343). Although possibly entering estuaries, this species is more likely a benthic inhabitant (Ref. 57403, 79590) of marine intertidal zones (Ref. 27000, 57403, 79590). Collected in shallow water among large lava-pebbles under strong wave action, and smaller examples came from a boundary area between rocks and sand at 2-4m depth (Ref. 39517). Maximum total length reported 8.7 cm (Ref. 57403).

fisheries: of no interest