Mud reef-goby
📖 Overview
A territorial species that inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs . Found over silty bottoms near or under overhanging corals. Feeds by sifting the sediment through its gill rakers .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 26. Dorsal half of body brown, ventral half yellow, with 7-8 dark brown bars. Small silvery white spots on cheeks and opercula. Predorsal scales 8 or 9. Usually, spines on 1st dorsal fin elongated into filaments with the 3rd and 4th typically longest; spine of 2nd dorsal fin with red and white alternating bands, spots on rays and membrane. Cycloid scales only on nape and isthmus. Cheeks and opercula fully scaled. Teeth small and tightly packed in jaws. Depth of body about 3.6-3.9 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Mud reef-goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Mud reef-goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Mud reef-goby is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 30°N - 30°S West Pacific: East Africa to Samoa, north to Yaeyama Islands, south to Fiji.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Mud reef-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 | 18.3 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 134 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Mud reef-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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? belissimus | Smith | 1959 | Homotypic |
| Acentrogobius bellissimus | Smith | 1959 | Synonym |
| Exyrius belissimus | Smith | 1959 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 13 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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