How to Identify Pinkbar Goby

To identify Pinkbar Goby (Cryptocentrus fasciatus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is typically pale white to yellowish, adorned with 5-7 prominent, vertical, pink to reddish-orange bars that extend from the dorsal to the ventral surface. The head often has similar markings, and the fins are generally translucent with some faint spotting or banding.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

5-7 distinct pink to reddish-orange vertical bars on the body, Elongated body shape, Large eyes positioned dorsally, Prominent mouth

Dorsal fin

Two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 6-7 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 10-12 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is often taller than the second.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, fan-like pectoral fins with 17-19 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused into a disc-like structure, characteristic of gobies, used for perching and gripping substrates.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration and Barring

   Look for the distinctive 5-7 vertical pink to reddish-orange bars on a pale body. This is the most reliable visual identifier.

2. 2

   Symbiotic Relationship

   Observe its behavior; it will almost always be seen hovering near or retreating into a burrow shared with a pistol shrimp.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Its elongated, somewhat cylindrical body is typical of Cryptocentrus species.

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