The Bluedot Goby, Blue-speckled Rubble Goby, Miller´s Damsel – Asterropteryx ensifera is a small, strikingly patterned goby species inhabiting the tropical Indo-Pacific region. This fish is notable for its vibrant blue markings and its characteristically shy nature, often hiding among the rubble and crevices of its habitat.
Description & Characteristics
Asterropteryx ensifera is a diminutive goby, reaching a maximum size of approximately 3.0 cm. The fish is adorned with a captivating pattern of bright blue speckles and dots distributed over its body, giving it its common names. The body is elongated and compressed laterally, with a small head and large eyes. The dorsal fin is composed of two distinct sections, the first being short and spiny, while the second is longer and soft-rayed. The caudal fin is rounded, and the anal fin is long and continuous. The coloration of Asterropteryx ensifera varies slightly depending on its location and individual variation, but the signature blue markings remain a constant feature.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bluedot Goby, Blue-speckled Rubble Goby, Miller´s Damsel – Asterropteryx ensifera is a resident of the tropical Indo-Pacific region, thriving in a variety of marine habitats. Typically found in depths ranging from 6.0 to 40.0 meters, Asterropteryx ensifera exhibits a preference for rocky reefs, rubble fields, and coral communities. They are frequently encountered in areas with a high density of algae and invertebrates, where they find both shelter and food. This goby can be found in both shallow coastal waters and deeper reef slopes, with a preference for areas with strong currents.
Taxonomy
Asterropteryx ensifera belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This family encompasses a diverse group of fishes commonly known as gobies. The Gobiidae is characterized by its members’ generally small size, often possessing a fused pelvic fin that forms a suction cup-like structure. This adaptation assists in anchoring the fish to the substrate, especially in areas with strong currents.
Feeding
The Bluedot Goby, Blue-speckled Rubble Goby, Miller´s Damsel – Asterropteryx ensifera is primarily an omnivore, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and zooplankton. Its diet includes a diverse range of organisms such as: brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, cyclops, Daphnia salina, invertebrates, lobster eggs, mysis, oyster eggs, and zooplankton. Asterropteryx ensifera typically scavenges for food in the crevices and nooks of its habitat, using its sensitive barbels to locate prey. Its diet contributes to the overall health and stability of the reef ecosystem by helping to control populations of smaller organisms.
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