Large Whipgoby
Bryaninops amplus
A fascinating goby that lives exclusively on gorgonian seawhips. The body is semi-transparent to reddish and usually blends well against the gorgonian host. The iris of the eye is red.
Morphology
A small, elongate fish with a relatively large, dorsoventrally flattened head and big eyes. Like other commensal gobies, this species posseses pelvic fins that are fused together into a cup-like strucutre which aids in clinging onto the host seawhip in strong currents. The maximum length is about 5 cm.
Evolution
Bryaninops is a genus containing 16 currently recognised species. It belongs to the family Gobiidae, the most diverse group of fishes on the planet with over 1800 species.
Behaviour
Found on seawhips, usually in current exposed areas. Each seawhip usually hosts a small group of whipgobies, sometimes several different species may be present on a single whip. Feeds on plankton.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; a benthic spawner.
Habitat
Marine
Commensal on gorgonian seawhips (Juncella spp.) between 1-30 m depth.
Distribution
Widespread in the Indo-Pacific region from south-eastern Africa to islands of the central Pacific, including northern Australia.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Perciformes |
| Genus: | Bryaninops |
| Species: | amplus |
| Name Published Year: | 1985 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Larson |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Bryaninops-amplus
Accessed 10 May 2025
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