The Steinitz Prawn Goby – Amblyeleotris steinitzi is a small, colorful fish belonging to the Goby family. This species is known for its striking appearance and intriguing behavior, making it a popular choice for marine aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
The Amblyeleotris steinitzi is easily recognized by its elongated body and bright, contrasting coloration. Adults can reach a maximum size of 13.0 cm. The body is predominantly orange-red with distinctive white stripes running vertically along its sides. The fins are edged in black, adding to its visual appeal. This fish is often found in association with shrimp, a symbiotic relationship that benefits both species.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amblyeleotris steinitzi is a marine fish found in the Indo-Pacific region. This species typically inhabits coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds, demonstrating a preference for shallow to moderately deep waters. Its depth range spans from 2.0 to 43.0 meters, placing it within the epipelagic and mesopelagic zones. This species is a common sight in these marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Amblyeleotris steinitzi belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fish that are known for their small size and often striking coloration.
Feeding
The Amblyeleotris steinitzi is a carnivorous fish with a diet consisting primarily of zooplankton. This includes a wide variety of small invertebrates such as copepods, krill, and mysids. In captivity, this fish can be successfully fed a diet of commercially available frozen foods, including brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and cyclops.
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