Swift's goby

📖 Overview

This species was found on steep, volcanic-sand slopes; under small pieces of coral rubble and volcanic rock that were often covered with Halimeda algae. Strong thermoclines were frequently encountered between 40-50 m on these slopes, thus consequently this species is likely exposed to temperatures ranging from about 24-29º C .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8; Vertebrae: 26. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: segmented dorsal-fin rays 9; segmented anal-fin rays 8; lateral scales 21-22; predorsal scales 7-8; reduced cephalic sensory-canal pores, with only posterior nasals (B’), posterior interorbital (D), anterior otics (F), and intertemporals (H’); cephalic sensory papillae rows 20 and 21 separate and with 10 transverse mandibular papillae rows; absence of pelvic frenum and connecting membrane restricted to basal half of fin; cycloid scales anteriorly, becoming ctenoid posteriorly below the level of base of second or third segmented dorsal-fin ray. Colour pattern when alive mottled brown with gray lateral stripes corresponding to lateral-scale rows, whitish margins with orange vermiculations on dorsal fins and upper edge of caudal fin, and basal half of first-dorsal fin with a yellow-edged partial ocellus . Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Swift's goby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 45 - 65 m . Tropical Central Pacific: Papua New Guinea.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Swift's goby.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute