The Blue Hana Goby. Filament Dartfish, Threadfin Dartfish, Thread-tail Dart-goby, Blue Goby – Ptereleotris hanae is a captivating and relatively small fish species found in the marine waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This dartfish, known for its striking blue coloration, is a popular choice for marine aquariums, attracting attention with its graceful movements and intriguing behavior.
Description & Characteristics
The Ptereleotris hanae is a slender fish that can grow up to a maximum size of 12.0 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed laterally, with a striking blue coloration that distinguishes it from other dartfish species. This brilliant blue hue extends from the head to the tail, creating a captivating visual contrast against the backdrop of its natural habitat. It possesses a single dorsal fin, which is long and continuous, and its anal fin is similarly elongated. The Ptereleotris hanae, also known as the Filament Dartfish, possesses an exceptionally long filamentous tail, adding to its unique appearance and graceful movements.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Blue Hana Goby. Filament Dartfish, Threadfin Dartfish, Thread-tail Dart-goby, Blue Goby – Ptereleotris hanae inhabits a wide range of depths, typically found between 3.0 and 50.0 meters. Its preferred habitat includes rocky reefs, coral reefs, and sand bottoms with crevices and ledges. This species is commonly encountered in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. Their adaptability to various depths and environments contributes to their successful distribution throughout the Indo-Pacific waters.
Taxonomy
The species Ptereleotris hanae belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Microdesmidae. This classification places it within a group of fish known for their diverse adaptations and evolutionary success. The order Gobiiformes, which includes gobies, is one of the largest and most successful groups of fishes, reflecting their adaptability to various environments. The family Microdesmidae, to which the Ptereleotris hanae belongs, encompasses a diverse array of dartfishes, distinguished by their slender bodies and graceful movements.
Feeding
The Blue Hana Goby. Filament Dartfish, Threadfin Dartfish, Thread-tail Dart-goby, Blue Goby – Ptereleotris hanae is a carnivorous fish that primarily feeds on small invertebrates. Its diet includes a variety of crustaceans such as amphipods, brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, copepods, daphnia salina, lobster eggs, and mysis. This feeding strategy allows the Ptereleotris hanae to thrive in its diverse habitat, exploiting a range of readily available food sources.
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