The Masked Shrimpgoby, scientifically known as Amblyeleotris gymnocephala, is a fascinating species of fish belonging to the Gobiidae family. These gobies are characterized by their striking appearance and unique behavior, making them a captivating subject for both marine enthusiasts and scientists.
Description & Characteristics
The Masked Shrimpgoby, Amblyeleotris gymnocephala, is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 14.0 cm. Its defining feature is a distinctive mask-like pattern on its head, which gives it its common name. This pattern typically consists of dark markings around the eyes and a broad band across the snout. Their bodies are generally elongated and slender, with a slightly compressed profile. The coloration of Amblyeleotris gymnocephala can vary depending on their environment, but they typically exhibit a combination of brown, yellow, and white hues. This color variation can provide camouflage within their habitat, making them blend seamlessly with the surrounding coral reefs or rocky outcrops.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Masked Shrimpgoby, Amblyeleotris gymnocephala, is a demersal fish, meaning it lives primarily on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. It is most commonly found in shallow, coastal waters, typically within a depth range of 5.0 – 35.0 meters. This species is known to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zone of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. The Amblyeleotris gymnocephala is a predominantly neritic fish, meaning it lives in the waters over the continental shelf. This preference for shallow coastal environments places it within a diverse range of aquatic ecosystems, often in close proximity to coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds.
Taxonomy
The species Amblyeleotris gymnocephala belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification highlights its position within the broader spectrum of fish species, with its family, Gobiidae, being particularly notable for its diverse array of goby species.
Feeding
The Masked Shrimpgoby, Amblyeleotris gymnocephala, is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding primarily on a diet of small invertebrates. Their diet is known to consist of amphipods, brine shrimps, copepods, krill, mysis, and zooplankton. They are also known to accept commercially available fish flakes and frozen food, particularly the larger sorts. This adaptability in their feeding habits allows Amblyeleotris gymnocephala to thrive in various environments, as they can readily access a wide range of food sources.
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