The Shoulderspot Sandgoby, Sidespot Sandgoby, scientifically known as Fusigobius humeralis, is a small, intriguing fish species found in various marine environments. This goby is characterized by its unique appearance and behavior, playing a significant role in the delicate balance of its coastal habitats.
Description & Characteristics
Fusigobius humeralis is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of 4.4 cm. Its body is elongated and slender, with a slightly compressed profile. The most striking feature of this species is the presence of two distinct dark spots on its body: one located on the shoulder, giving rise to the name “Shoulderspot Sandgoby,” and another on the side, contributing to the alternate name “Sidespot Sandgoby.” These spots serve as a form of camouflage, helping the fish blend into its surroundings and evade predators.
Habitat and Occurrence
Fusigobius humeralis is a common inhabitant of shallow coastal waters, typically found in depths ranging from 3.0 to 30.0 meters. These gobies prefer sandy or muddy bottoms, often found in association with seagrass beds or coral reefs. Their distribution spans across various marine zones, including the intertidal, subtidal, and nearshore environments. This adaptability allows them to thrive in a diverse range of habitats.
Taxonomy
Fusigobius humeralis belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This family, known as the gobies, comprises a diverse group of fishes characterized by their small size, fused pelvic fins, and often a burrowing behavior. The classification reflects the evolutionary relationships and shared traits among these fascinating fishes.
Feeding
Fusigobius humeralis is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding primarily on a variety of small invertebrates. Their diet includes amphipods, copepods, crustaceans, daphnia salina, mysis, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. They use their mouths to pick up these small creatures from the seabed or water column, playing an important role in the food web of their respective ecosystems.
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