Yano’s cheek-hook goby – Ancistrogobius yanoi

The Yano’s Cheek-hook Goby, Ancistrogobius yanoi, is a small, fascinating fish species belonging to the Goby family.

Description & Characteristics

Reaching a maximum size of 3.7 cm, this goby is distinguished by its unique cheek-hook morphology. Its body is slender and elongated, with a relatively small head. The Yano’s Cheek-hook Goby exhibits a characteristic color pattern, often displaying a mix of brown, grey, and white hues, which helps it camouflage itself within its environment.

Habitat and Occurrence

The Yano’s Cheek-hook Goby, Ancistrogobius yanoi, is a demersal fish, meaning it lives on or near the bottom of the ocean floor. This species is typically found within a depth range of 0.0 – 12.0 meters, making it a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of its geographical range. The Yano’s Cheek-hook Goby is often found in the Neritic zone, specifically in the intertidal and shallow subtidal regions of the ocean.

Taxonomy

The species Ancistrogobius yanoi belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within a diverse group of fish known for their small size, typically elongated bodies, and the presence of a fused pelvic fin that resembles a suction cup.

Feeding

The Yano’s Cheek-hook Goby, Ancistrogobius yanoi, is a carnivorous fish that feeds on a variety of invertebrates, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. It uses its small mouth to capture these prey items from the ocean floor, contributing to the delicate balance of its marine ecosystem.