How to Identify Ghost Goby

To identify Ghost Goby (Gobiodon okinawae), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Uniformly bright yellow, occasionally with a faint orange tint. Some individuals may exhibit very subtle, almost imperceptible, darker markings on the head or body, but these are not prominent.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Small, compressed body, Large, upward-pointing eyes, Fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup, Absence of scales on the head and often on the body (or very small, embedded scales)

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first dorsal fin has 6 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 8-10 soft rays. The two dorsal fins are typically separate.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded, with 16-18 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused into a disc-like structure, characteristic of gobies, which aids in clinging to coral branches.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   Its uniform bright yellow color is a primary identifier. While other Gobiodon species exist, few are as consistently and vibrantly yellow.

2. 2

   Habitat Association

   Always found perched within the branches of live branching corals, especially Acropora species. If a small yellow goby is found in this specific microhabitat, it is highly likely to be Gobiodon okinawae.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   The compressed body and relatively large head with upward-pointing eyes are characteristic.

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