Starry goby
📖 Overview
Found on algal-coated reef rock and rubble of inner flats and turbid lagoons . Takes refuge in burrows or holes in the reef . Benthic . Feeds on small benthic invertebrates . Solitary or in small group (Ref 90102).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9. Body tan to black in color with light spots; midside with small elongate dark spots; short vertical bars or saddles above ; characterized further by prolonged third dorsal spine , forms long filament in adult; longitudinal scale series 23-25; ctenoid scales; head scaled except snout and interorbital space; 3-9 close-set spines on edge of preopercle just above the corner; rounded caudal fin; depth of body 3.0-3.6 in SL .: elongated.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Starry goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Starry goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Benthic spawner.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m . Tropical; 30°N - 32°S north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe and Rapa.
🌿 Ecology
small benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Starry goby is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 85 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Starry goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asteropteryx semipunctatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Asterropterix eumeces | Pietschmann | 1934 | Synonym |
| Asterropterix semipunctatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Asterropterix semipunctatus quisqualis | Whitley | 1932 | Synonym |
| Eleotris miniatus | Seale | 1901 | Synonym |
| Gobiomorphus hypselopteryx | Pietschmann | 1934 | Synonym |
| Gobiomorphus robustus | Pietschmann | 1934 | Synonym |
| Priolepis auriga | Ehrenberg | 1871 | Synonym |
| Prioolepis auriga | Ehrenberg | 1871 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 49 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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