Frillfin goby
| Frillfin goby | |
|---|---|
 | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Subfamily: | Gobiinae |
| Genus: | Bathygobius |
| Species: | B. soporator |
| Binomial name | |
| Bathygobius soporator (Valenciennes, 1837) | |
| Synonyms | |
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The Frillfin goby (Bathygobius soporator) is a species of marine fish in the genus Bathygobius.[1]
Description
The Frillfin goby is a usually dark colored Goby with mottled coloring of black, gray, and tan, but the body color is variable between habitats. It has a thin, gray-green first dorsal fin and a trailing second dorsal fin of the same color. It has brown eyes that are proportionally large. Its cheeks are large. The caudal, anal, pectoral, and pelvic fins are a transparent yellow. The pelvic fins of the Frillfin goby has one spine and five rays that are close together.[2]
Diet
The Frillfin goby feeds on small crustaceans, like copepods, and small fishes like the Tilapia fry. The Frillfin can also feed on insects, detritus, bivalves, and gastropods. [3]
Habitat
Individuals are often found in tide pools, around mangrove trees, or in sheltered sea-grass beds.[4] The Frillfin goby can be found in marine, brackish, and even freshwater, and it can tolerate a wide range of salinities.[5]
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The female goby lays her fertilized eggs on a hard, sheltered surface, like the inside of an empty conch shell. The male can mate with several females, and each mate lays her eggs in a single location. The cluster is then protected by the male until the eggs hatch. These males are often extremely territorial, and will chase off intruders. The young gobies can then grow up to an average of about 7.5 cm.[6]
Distribution
This species is found in the Gulf of Mexico. It prefers inshore shallows especially near rocks and pilings. According to a New York Times article (May 15, 2016), written by Jonathan Balcombe, the frillfin goby displays amazing feats of memory and strategy to survive in tide pools at low tide.
Importance to Humans
Although rare, the Frillfin goby has been seen in the aquarium trade.[7]
References
- ↑ http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=277638
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator". www.sms.si.edu. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator (Frillfin Goby, Molly Miller)". www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator". www.sms.si.edu. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator (Frillfin Goby, Molly Miller)". www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator". www.sms.si.edu. Retrieved 2017-05-01.
- ↑ "Bathygobius soporator (Frillfin Goby, Molly Miller)". www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved 2017-05-01.