Five-lined coral goby – Gobiodon quinquestrigatus

Five-lined coral goby, Five-lined Coral Goby, Gobiodon quinquestrigatus

The Five-lined Coral Goby (Gobiodon quinquestrigatus) is a small, colorful fish belonging to the goby family, Gobiidae. It is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to its striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature.

Description & Characteristics

The Gobiodon quinquestrigatus is characterized by its elongated body, reaching a maximum size of 4.5 cm. Its most distinctive feature is its vibrant coloration: a base of bright orange or yellow is adorned with five distinct, vertical, black stripes, giving it its common name. These stripes are typically well-defined and extend from the head to the tail fin. Juveniles often exhibit a more muted color pattern. The Gobiodon quinquestrigatus has small, protruding eyes and a slightly pointed snout, which, along with its slender body, gives it a rather elegant appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Gobiodon quinquestrigatus is a tropical marine fish commonly found in shallow coral reefs and rocky habitats. It has a depth range of 0 to 70 meters, preferring the warm, clear waters of the Indo-Pacific region. This species is often observed inhabiting areas with high coral cover, where it finds shelter among the intricate structures and abundant food sources.

Taxonomy

The Gobiodon quinquestrigatus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This family, containing over 2,000 species, is one of the most diverse families of fish, encompassing a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and behaviors.

Feeding

The Gobiodon quinquestrigatus is a carnivorous fish with a diet primarily consisting of small invertebrates, such as plankton, copepods, and small crustaceans. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of commercially available foods, including brine shrimp, flakes, frozen food (large sort), and mysis.

Associated Species

Image References

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