The Banded Goby, Barred Goby, Brown-barred Goby, Dusky Barred Goby, Spotty-tail Goby, White-barred Goby, scientifically known as Amblygobius phalaena, is a fascinating and common fish found in various marine environments. Its distinctive appearance, with its patterned body, and adaptable nature have made it a popular choice for aquariums.
Description & Characteristics
This goby species is easily recognized by its distinctive barring patterns. Reaching a maximum size of 15.0 cm, the Amblygobius phalaena possesses a slender body shape with a slightly elongated snout. Its coloration varies, featuring a combination of brown, white, and black bands that give it its diverse common names. The “spotty-tail” aspect refers to the distinct dark spots on its caudal fin.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Amblygobius phalaena is a versatile species, adapting to a wide range of habitats within the neritic zone. Its presence is commonly observed in the subtidal, sublittoral, and infralittoral zones, which extend from the lower limit of the intertidal zone to the shelf edge at about 200 m depth. This fish thrives in coastal waters, coral reefs, lagoons, and seagrass meadows, often found on rubble floors, sandy sea floors, and within eelgrass meadows. Its adaptability allows it to successfully inhabit diverse environments, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Amblygobius phalaena belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. The Gobiidae family encompasses a diverse group of fish commonly known as gobies, characterized by their small size, generally less than 25 cm in length, and their distinct fused pelvic fins, which resemble a suction cup. This family constitutes one of the largest groups of fish, with over 2,000 species found globally, primarily in marine environments.
Feeding
The Amblygobius phalaena is an omnivorous feeder, displaying a varied diet that includes algae, invertebrates, zooplankton, and small crustaceans. Its feeding habits contribute to the ecological balance of its environment, playing a crucial role in the food web. They are known to graze on algae, including red slime algae, and have a particular fondness for brine shrimps, which are often offered in aquariums. They are also known to readily consume flakes and frozen food (particularly the larger sorts) making them relatively easy to care for in captivity.
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