Whitebarred Goby
Amblygobius phalaena
Unlike most gobies (Gobiidae) that are seen swimming or resting on the substrate, this species usually swims just above the bottom with fins flared. The colour pattern of brown horizontal stripes on the upper sides that are interrupted by narrow vertical white and brown bars is distinctive. The tall first dorsal fin has a characteristic brown spot, as does the upper part of the caudal fin. The belly is white.
Morphology
Has a cylindrical, cigar-shaped body typical of most gobies, with two separate dorsal fins. The rounded snout profile, and broad rounded pectoral and caudal fin are distinctive. One of the larger goby species reaching up to 15 cm in length.
Evolution
There are 14 currently recognised species in the genus Amblygobius. It belongs to the family Gobiidae, which is the most diverse fish family on the planet comprising more than 1750 species.
Behaviour
Darts to the cover of sandy burrows when threatened. Feeds on tiny invertebrates, detritus and algae by sifting mouthfuls of sand through the gills.
Method of reproduction
Sexual. A study has demonstrated that monogamous breeding pairs that remain together over multiple successive breeding periods are common in this species. Eggs are deposited in a burrow built by the male who then guards the burrow and fans the eggs to oxygenate them for 3-4 days. No parental care of the hatched larvae is exhibited.
Habitat
Marine
Found in sandy or weedy areas, often in the vicinity of coral reefs or sponge gardens, usually in depths less than 20 m.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Indo-West Pacific, from Western Australia to the Society Islands and north to the Ryukyu Islands.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Amblygobius |
| Species: | phalaena |
| Name Published Year: | 1837 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Valenciennes |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/amblygobius-phalaena
Accessed 30 Aug 2023
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