The Ornate Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is a small, colorful goby species found in the Indo-Pacific region. This fish is popular among aquarium hobbyists due to its striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature.
Description & Characteristics
The Ornate Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 11.0 cm. It is easily identifiable by its distinctive color pattern, featuring a bright orange body with black vertical bars and a white head. These markings may vary slightly depending on the individual fish. The species has a slightly elongated body shape and large, prominent eyes.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Ornate Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is a benthic species, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the seafloor. They are typically found in shallow, sheltered waters, such as lagoons, estuaries, and rocky reefs. This goby species is known to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including intertidal, subtidal, and mangrove areas. The depth range for the Ornate Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is from the surface down to 5.0 meters, making them a common sight in shallow coastal environments.
Taxonomy
The species Istigobius ornatus belongs to the family Gobiidae, commonly known as gobies. Gobies are a diverse group of fish, with over 2,000 species worldwide. They are classified within the order Gobiiformes, which includes a wide array of small-bodied fish, many of which are found in coastal and freshwater habitats. Gobies are part of the Class Teleostei, which encompasses the vast majority of bony fish species.
Feeding
The Ornate Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is an omnivorous species with a varied diet. They primarily feed on small invertebrates, such as brine shrimps, mysis, and lobster eggs. In captivity, they can be fed a diet of flakes, frozen foods (including large varieties), and live invertebrates.
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