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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Harlequin prawn-goby

Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus Rüppell, 1830
Max Length
13 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Overview information for Harlequin prawn-goby is currently being compiled by our editorial team.

Scientific Name
Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus
Authority
Rüppell, 1830
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
13 cm
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Water Temp
22–28 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Teleostei
Teleostei
Order
Gobiiformes
Gobiiformes
Family
Gobiidae
Gobiidae
Genus
Cryptocentrus
Cryptocentrus
Species
Harlequin prawn-goby
Cryptocentrus caeruleopunctatus

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Harlequin prawn-goby is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Harlequin prawn-goby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Harlequin prawn-goby is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Harlequin prawn-goby is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated, usually 2 - 15 m . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C known only from the Red Sea.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.4±0.4

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00741 × L3.09 (TL)
Max TL
13cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–28°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
24.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Rüppell, 1830

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Harlequin prawn-goby is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central

Nutrient Amount
Protein 18 g
Omega-3 (total) 84 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Harlequin prawn-goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Gobius caeruleopunctatus Rüppell 1830 Synonym
Gobius pavoninus Valenciennes 1837 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 2 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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