The Hookcheek Pygmy Goby, scientifically known as Eviota ancora, is a diminutive fish species belonging to the Gobiidae family. This small goby is known for its characteristic hooked cheek, which contributes to its unique appearance.
Description & Characteristics
The Eviota ancora is a remarkably small fish, attaining a maximum size of only 1.4 cm. This petite goby exhibits a slender, elongated body shape, with a pronounced hooked cheek, a feature that distinguishes it from other pygmy gobies. The coloration of the Eviota ancora is typically a blend of brown and white, with some individuals displaying darker brown stripes or spots along their body.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Eviota ancora is typically found in the Intertidal (Eulittoral) zone, which is the intertidal zone between the high and low tide lines characterized by the alternation of low and high tides. These gobies thrive in a depth range of 6.0 to 14.0 meters. Their preference for this specific habitat makes them a familiar sight in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Eviota ancora belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within a group of diverse and abundant fishes, highlighting its evolutionary lineage within the goby family.
Feeding
The Eviota ancora primarily feeds on small crustaceans, including Brine Shrimp Nauplii, Living Food, and Mysis. Their diet reflects their small size and their role as opportunistic feeders within the marine ecosystem.
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