Starksia
Starksia is a genus of gobies, small fish in the family Gobiidae. This genus is part of the tribe Gobiini and includes about 42 species. The species within this genus are found primarily in the western Atlantic Ocean, with the greatest diversity in the Caribbean Sea. Some species have been reported from the eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well. The name Starksia is a tribute to the American ichthyologist William Stark, who was a specialist in the systematics of gobies.
Common Names
Starksia are sometimes referred to as "dwarf gobies" or "pygmy gobies" due to their small size. The species within the genus are often given common names based on their coloration, habitat, or location. For example, Starksia atlantica is known as the "Atlantic dwarf goby", Starksia leechi is called the "yellow dwarf goby", and Starksia peucetia is sometimes referred to as the "Caribbean dwarf goby".
Characteristics
Members of the genus Starksia share a number of common physical characteristics. They are generally small fish, typically less than 5 cm in length. Starksia gobies have elongated bodies and pointed snouts. Their mouths are usually small and protrusible. Their eyes are large relative to their body size and are located high on the head. They lack scales, but their bodies are often covered in mucus. Starksia are often brightly colored, with patterns of red, yellow, brown, and black. They are sexually dimorphic, with males typically being more colorful than females. A defining characteristic of the genus Starksia is the presence of a small, fleshy tentacle on the top of their heads just above their nostrils. This tentacle can be used to sense the environment.
Environment
Starksia are found in a variety of shallow water habitats, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and seagrass beds. They are often found in association with sponges, bryozoans, and other invertebrates. They are primarily benthic, meaning they spend most of their time on or near the seafloor. Starksia gobies are known to be territorial and can often be found defending small territories. They are typically solitary fish, but they may form small aggregations during spawning.
Diet
Starksia gobies are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and algae. They are often seen hunting on the seafloor, using their protrusible mouths to capture prey. They also rely on their well-developed sense of smell to locate prey.
Reproduction
Starksia gobies are generally oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs. Males build small nests, often in crevices or under rocks, and guard the eggs until they hatch. The females may lay several clutches of eggs during a single spawning season. The larvae are pelagic, meaning they spend the early part of their lives drifting in the open ocean. After a period of larval development, they settle to the bottom and assume their benthic lifestyle.