Istigobius hoshinonis (Tanaka 1917)

Upper pectoral fin rays entire. Cycloid predorsal scales 13-17, ctenoid on trunk. No scales on antero-dorsal part of operculum. A large diagonal blue stripe beneath the eye from corner of mouth to dorsal most part of preoperculum. Only males with a black spot distally on membranes between IV and VI spines of 1st dorsal fin.

Genital papilla of male heavily pigmented near the base; ending at the anal fin origin. Female genital papilla truncate & ending well before anal spine. Eggs laid under shells or rock surfaces.

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

Common on sand or mud bottoms in shallow water. May be solitary or in small schools near crevices or under stones. Lays its eggs under shells where males care for the young; spawning took place from May to July.