Valenciennea wardii (Playfair in Playfair & Günther 1867) —Ward’s goby (Fig. 142)

Status at New Ireland. New record from Papua New Guinea, based on NTUM material (St. CP 4455-22-24), 3 specimens, northeast of Bauddisson Island.

Distribution and habitat. New Ireland: 2.—General distribution: Red Sea and East Africa east to Philippines, north to southern Japan, south to northern Australia and New Caledonia. Found on silty bottom, 12–60 m (new depth record). Marine.