The Checkerboard Frillfin, Checkerboard Frillfin Goby, scientifically known as Bathygobius lacertus, is a fascinating and relatively small fish species that inhabits coastal marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
The Checkerboard Frillfin Goby, Bathygobius lacertus, is characterized by its distinctive checkerboard pattern of dark brown and light brown markings that adorn its body. It can reach a maximum size of 6.8 cm, making it a relatively small fish.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Checkerboard Frillfin Goby, Bathygobius lacertus, thrives in mangrove zones, a specialized coastal ecosystem. It inhabits the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which encompass the transition from the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at approximately 200 meters deep. This marine zone is also referred to as the neritic zone, which is characterized by its relatively shallow depths and proximity to the coast.
Taxonomy
The species Bathygobius lacertus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. Teleostei comprises a diverse group of ray-finned fishes, while the Order Gobiiformes, commonly known as gobies, encompasses a large family of small-bodied fish. The Family Gobiidae, which includes Bathygobius lacertus, is characterized by a wide range of species that inhabit diverse marine environments.
Feeding
The Checkerboard Frillfin Goby, Bathygobius lacertus, primarily feeds on zoobenthos, which consists of a variety of small organisms that inhabit the seabed. These organisms include invertebrates like crustaceans, mollusks, and worms, providing the Bathygobius lacertus with a diverse and readily available food source within its mangrove habitat.
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