How to Identify Red-spotted Goby

To identify Red-spotted Goby (Amblyeleotris guttata), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Fin Structure

   Note the two separate dorsal fins and the fused pelvic fins, which are characteristic of gobies.

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