Butterfly goby – Amblygobius albimaculatus

The Butterfly Goby – Amblygobius albimaculatus is a captivating fish species renowned for its striking appearance and intriguing behavior. Its presence graces the underwater landscapes of various marine environments, adding a touch of elegance to the aquatic tapestry.

Description & Characteristics

The Amblygobius albimaculatus is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 18.0 cm. Its body is elongated and slender, exhibiting a graceful, streamlined form that allows it to navigate through the water with remarkable ease. The most striking feature of this species is its vibrant coloration. The Butterfly Goby displays a captivating palette of colors, with a bright orange or reddish-brown body adorned with a distinctive pattern of white spots. These spots are often arranged in rows, creating a visually striking effect.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Amblygobius albimaculatus is a marine fish that thrives in a variety of depths, ranging from 10.0 to 20.0 meters. This adaptability allows it to occupy a diverse range of habitats, including subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones. These zones represent a spectrum of marine environments, from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. The Butterfly Goby is primarily found in neritic zones, which are the waters overlying the continental shelf.

Taxonomy

The species Amblygobius albimaculatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within a broad group of fish known as bony fishes, which constitute the vast majority of living fish species. The Order Gobiiformes encompasses the gobies, a diverse group of small, bottom-dwelling fish, and the Family Gobiidae specifically focuses on the true gobies.

Feeding

The Amblygobius albimaculatus is an omnivorous feeder, displaying a flexible diet that includes both plant and animal matter. It readily consumes brine shrimps, flakes, and mysis, demonstrating its adaptability and opportunistic feeding behavior. This dietary versatility contributes to its survival in diverse marine ecosystems.