The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) is a small, intriguing fish species belonging to the Gobiidae family. This species is known for its striking coloration and its symbiotic relationship with certain shrimp species.
Description & Characteristics
The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of approximately 7.5 cm. Its body is elongated and compressed, featuring a distinctive saddle-like pattern on its back. The coloration is typically a pale brown to grayish-white, with dark brown markings along the sides. It is this unique pattern that gives the fish its common name. The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) also possesses a prominent pair of barbels, which are sensory organs used to detect food and navigate its surroundings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) typically inhabits shallow to moderately deep waters, with a depth range of 2.0 to 25.0 meters. This species is commonly found in tropical and subtropical marine environments, particularly in coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) is a demersal fish, meaning it lives near the bottom of the water column, and is often observed in association with specific types of marine life, as discussed further in the feeding section.
Taxonomy
The species Cryptocentrus leucostictus belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. The Gobiiformes order includes a diverse range of fish, commonly referred to as gobies, and is characterized by their small size, fused pelvic fins, and often their association with specific host species. The Gobiidae family is further subdivided into various genera, including Cryptocentrus, which contains a number of similar-looking gobies, each with unique features and ecological roles.
Feeding
The Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) is an omnivorous fish, with a diet consisting of a variety of small invertebrates and algae. Its feeding habits are closely linked to its symbiotic relationship with certain shrimp species. It is often observed residing within the burrows or crevices created by these shrimps, where it actively hunts and consumes small crustaceans, such as brine shrimps, as well as algae and other organic debris. In captivity, the Saddled Prawn-goby (Cryptocentrus leucostictus) can be fed a variety of commercial foods, including flakes, frozen food (particularly large sorts), and even live brine shrimps.
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