The Okinawa Goby, Yellow Coral Goby, Yellow Coralgoby, scientifically known as Gobiodon okinawae, is a captivating small fish that adds a vibrant splash of color to the coral reefs it calls home. This species is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums, attracting hobbyists with its striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Gobiodon okinawae is a small fish, reaching a maximum size of only 3.5 cm. Its most prominent feature is its bright yellow body, often accented by a delicate, white stripe running along its side. This vibrant coloration makes it a stunning sight amidst the colorful coral reefs it frequents.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Gobiodon okinawae is a resident of the subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, and deep zones of the oceans. This means it can be found in the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) all the way to the shelf edge at about 200 meters water depth. Its habitat preference aligns with the neritic zone, the relatively shallow part of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The Gobiodon okinawae belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within the vast and diverse group of ray-finned fishes, specifically the goby family, which is known for its wide range of shapes, sizes, and habitats.
Feeding
The Gobiodon okinawae is primarily a corallivorous fish, meaning its diet consists largely of coral polyps. This makes it a vital part of the coral reef ecosystem as it helps to control the growth of coral polyps. Besides coral polyps, their diverse diet also includes copepods, brine shrimps, mysis, and zooplankton. These small invertebrates are a crucial source of nutrition for this fish.
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