Fan shrimp-goby – Tomiyamichthys latruncularius

The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) is a species of goby fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. This small, striking fish is known for its distinctive appearance and fascinating symbiotic relationship with a particular shrimp species.

Description & Characteristics

The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 10.0 cm. It is characterized by its elongated body, with a flattened head and large eyes. Its coloration varies depending on the individual, but typically features a combination of orange, brown, and white markings, often with an intricate pattern of stripes and blotches. The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) also has a prominent pair of pectoral fins and a slightly rounded caudal fin.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, typically in depths ranging from 2.0 to 45.0 meters. It prefers habitats with a soft bottom, such as sand or mud, where it can burrow and create its den. The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) is a prevalent inhabitant of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, often residing within the intertidal zone.

Taxonomy

The species Tomiyamichthys latruncularius belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. The Gobiiformes order includes a diverse group of fish, commonly known as gobies. Goby fish are typically small, with a flattened body and a pair of fused pelvic fins, which resemble a suction cup. The Gobiidae family is the largest among the Gobiiformes order, with a diverse range of species exhibiting a variety of adaptations for their habitats.

Feeding

The Fan Shrimp-goby (Tomiyamichthys latruncularius) is a carnivorous fish, primarily feeding on small invertebrates. Its diet consists of amphipods, copepods, daphnia salina, worms, and other zoobenthos, which it hunts in the surrounding sediment. It also consumes zooplankton, which it filters from the water column.