The Toothy Goby, Many-host Ghostgoby, scientifically classified as Pleurosicya mossambica, is a small and intriguing fish species found in the marine environments of the Indian Ocean. This goby exhibits a remarkable adaptability, thriving in a variety of habitats and showcasing an interesting feeding behavior.
Description & Characteristics
Pleurosicya mossambica is a relatively small fish, reaching a maximum size of approximately 3.0 cm. Its slender body and elongated snout distinguish it from other gobies, making it a fascinating sight in the underwater world. The Toothy Goby, Many-host Ghostgoby is known for its ability to camouflage itself, blending seamlessly into its surroundings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Toothy Goby, Many-host Ghostgoby, Pleurosicya mossambica, exhibits a preference for subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones within the neritic marine environment. These zones encompass the area extending from the lower limit of the intertidal zone down to the shelf edge at approximately 200 m depth. This wide depth range, from 2.0 to 30.0 meters, showcases the adaptability of Pleurosicya mossambica, allowing it to flourish in various oceanic settings.
Taxonomy
Pleurosicya mossambica belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within the diverse group of fishes known as gobies, which are characterized by their small size, bottom-dwelling habits, and often, the presence of a fused pelvic fin.
Feeding
Pleurosicya mossambica, also known as the Toothy Goby, Many-host Ghostgoby, is a carnivorous fish with a diet primarily consisting of small crustaceans like brine shrimp nauplii and brine shrimps, as well as zooplankton. In aquarium environments, they can also be fed flakes.
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