The Hovering Goby, also known as the Purple-eyed Coral-goby, Purple-eyed Goby, Redeye Goby, or Pinkeye Goby, scientifically classified as Bryaninops natans, is a small, colorful fish commonly found in coral reefs. This goby species is distinguished by its vibrant coloration and unique behavioral traits, making it an interesting subject for both marine biologists and aquarium enthusiasts.
Description & Characteristics
The Bryaninops natans, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 centimeters, showcases a striking appearance. Its body is typically a bright orange or reddish-orange, often with a distinctive white or light blue stripe running along the side. The most prominent feature, contributing to its common names, is its bright purple eyes, which stand out against the vibrant body color.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Hovering Goby is a common inhabitant of coral reefs, often found in shallow waters between 7.0 and 27.0 meters in depth. This species thrives in the warm, tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region, making it a prevalent presence in the Coral Triangle, a marine region with high biodiversity in the Western Pacific. Bryaninops natans is typically found in the Neritic zone, an area of the ocean that extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. It prefers sheltered environments, particularly amongst coral formations and rocky outcrops, where it can find both shelter and ample food sources.
Taxonomy
The species Bryaninops natans belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. The Gobiiformes order, also known as gobies, is a diverse group of fish, characterized by their typically small size and often bottom-dwelling lifestyle. The Gobiidae family, to which Bryaninops natans belongs, encompasses a vast array of goby species, known for their unique adaptations and behaviors.
Feeding
The Hovering Goby, being a small fish, relies on a diet of smaller organisms. Its diet consists primarily of zooplankton, including brine shrimp nauplii, brine shrimps, cyclops, and lobster eggs. In aquarium environments, they can also be fed commercially available flake foods.
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