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Amblyeleotris guttata, commonly known as the Red-spotted Goby, is a species of goby belonging to the family Gobiidae. It is a small, benthic fish renowned for its symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, often referred to as pistol shrimp. This species is characterized by its distinctive coloration and patterns, making it a popular choice in the aquarium trade. It exhibits a shy demeanor, often retreating into its burrow when threatened.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- The body is typically pale white to light tan, adorned with numerous distinct red to reddish-brown spots that are often outlined in a darker shade. Several faint, irregular vertical bands may also be present on the flanks. The fins are translucent with similar spotting.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Prominent red to reddish-brown spots covering the body and fins., Two distinct dorsal fins, characteristic of gobies., Large eyes positioned dorsally on the head., Fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup-like disc.
- Dorsal fin
- Two separate dorsal fins; the first dorsal fin has 6-7 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 11-12 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.
- Pectoral fin
- Large, fan-like pectoral fins.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic fins are fused into a single, disc-like structure, a characteristic feature of gobies, used for clinging to substrates.
Identification Tips
Coloration and Spotting
Look for the distinctive red to reddish-brown spots covering the pale body. These spots are usually well-defined and can vary in intensity.
Symbiotic Relationship
Observe its behavior. If it's seen hovering near a burrow entrance with a pistol shrimp, it's a strong indicator of an Amblyeleotris species, and the specific spotting helps confirm A. guttata.
Fin Structure
Note the two separate dorsal fins and the fused pelvic fins, which are characteristic of gobies.
Habitat
- Water type
- saltwater
- Depth
- Typically found in shallow coastal waters, ranging from 5 to 40 meters (16 to 130 feet).
- Environment
- Prefers sandy or rubble bottoms near coral reefs, lagoons, and sheltered bays. It forms a symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, sharing a burrow dug by the shrimp. The goby acts as a lookout, warning the nearly blind shrimp of predators, while the shrimp maintains the shared burrow.
- Geographic range
- Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, East Africa, Maldives, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and extending to parts of the Western Pacific.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: peaceful
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
- pH level: 8.1-8.4
- Hardness: 8-12 dKH
- Compatibility: Generally compatible with other peaceful reef-safe fish. Avoid aggressive tank mates or those that might outcompete it for food. Essential to house with a suitable pistol shrimp partner (e.g., Alpheus bellulus or Alpheus randalli) for natural behavior.
- Special requirements: Requires a sand bed of at least 3-4 inches for burrow construction, ample live rock for additional hiding spots, and a stable, mature reef aquarium environment. A tight-fitting lid is recommended as gobies can jump.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeding patterns are not strictly seasonal but are influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature and food availability. Spawning can occur year-round in tropical regions.
- Market price: Varies, typically moderate for aquarium trade
- Commercial importance: low
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to small size and ecological role.
- Texture: Not typically consumed due to small size and ecological role.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed due to small size and ecological role.
Key Facts
Symbiotic Architectsbehavior
The Red-spotted Goby forms an obligate symbiotic relationship with a pistol shrimp. The shrimp digs and maintains the burrow, while the goby stands guard, warning the nearly blind shrimp of danger by flicking its tail, prompting both to retreat into the burrow.
Visual Communicationbehavior
The goby maintains constant physical contact with the shrimp using its tail fin. This tactile communication allows the goby to signal danger to the shrimp, even when the shrimp is deep within the burrow.
Burrow Sharinginteresting
Multiple gobies and shrimp can sometimes share a single complex burrow system, though typically it's a pair of goby and shrimp. The burrow provides essential protection from predators.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions are required beyond standard fish handling practices to minimize stress. They are not venomous and do not possess sharp spines that pose a significant threat.
Similar Species
Orange-spotted Goby
Amblyeleotris guttata
While sometimes used as an alternative name for A. guttata, the 'Orange-spotted Goby' can also refer to other species with orange spots. A. guttata specifically has red to reddish-brown spots. Careful observation of spot color is key.
Randall's Goby
Amblyeleotris randalli
A. randalli typically has fewer, larger, and more irregularly shaped orange-red spots or blotches, often with a more yellowish background coloration, compared to the numerous, smaller, and more uniformly red spots of A. guttata.
Magnificent Goby
Amblyeleotris magnifica
A. magnifica has distinct vertical orange bands and fewer, less defined spots, primarily on the head and anterior body, differing significantly from the overall spotted pattern of A. guttata.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Gobiiformes
- Family
- Gobiidae
- Genus
- Amblyeleotris
- Species
- guttata
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