GOBIIDAE Favonigobius melanobranchus, 3.1 cm SL (photo by Koichi Shibukawa) Favonigobius melanobranchus (Fowler, 1934) Blackthroat Goby D VI+I, 8; A I, 8; P1 16; LR 27-28; PDS 1-2. Body moderately elongate and compressed. Head subcylindrical or slightly depressed; lower jaw slightly projecting beyond upper jaw; gill opening not reaching anteriorly to a vertical through posterior margin of preopercle; tongue near truncate. No elongate, filamentous spines on first dorsal fin; pelvic fins united medially; frenum present. Scales ctenoid, excluding breast and pectoral-fin base with cycloid scales; head naked. Sensory canals and pores present on head; sensory papillae rows on cheek multiple, but not forming distinct transverse rows; aggregation of sensory papillae just behind chin. Color: head and body pale gray with numerous minute black speckles; branchiostegal menbrane black; upper part of caudal fin usually with a semi-ocellated spot. Size: 5.5 cm. Distribution: Andaman Sea and West Pacific. Remarks: found in tidal estuaries and mangrove areas with flat sandy-mud bottoms.