Eyebar goby
📖 Overview
A common species that occurs in sheltered sandy areas from reef flats to seaward reefs; over sandy bottoms near pieces of rubble, rock, or coral (live or dead) . Solitary or in small groups . Feeds on algae, detritus and small benthic invertebrates .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 11. Distinguished by the following characteristics: moderate-sized (up to 56 mm SL) with wide range in live colour pattern; ctenoid body scales usually reaching rear corner of opercle, occasionally ctenoid scales reaching to above rear preopercular margin; nape midline scales always cycloid, distinct flap present at end of lower lip; when alive, colour variable: body translucent white with five to seven rows of small variably coloured (dull orange, brown, red-brown to blackish) spots and/or thin lines and about six indistinct diffuse orange-brown to purple-brown blotches along midside; narrow vertical black mark on top of each eye, marks may join each other across interorbital space, and narrow black vertical line crossing cheek below eye; small dark mark of variable shape (often W-shaped) above pectoral fin base, with small yellow spot in centre; second dorsal and anal fin rays usually I,11; pectoral rays 12-18, modally 16; lateral scales 24-30, modally 27; 7-12 predorsal scales (modally 9) .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Eyebar goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Eyebar goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Eyebar goby is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 2 - 50 m , usually 2 - 20 m . Tropical; 30°N - 28°S South Africa to Pitcairn I.
🌿 Ecology
algae, detritus and small benthic invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Eyebar 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 164 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Eyebar 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acentrogobius cauerensis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Fusigobius scapulostigma | Herre | 1953 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis australis | Randall & Greenfield | 2001 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis cauerensis australis | Randall & Greenfield | 2001 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis cauerensis cauerensis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis cauerensis hawaiiensis | Randall & Greenfield | 2001 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis hawaiiensis | Randall & Greenfield | 2001 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis inconsequens | Whitley | 1958 | Synonym |
| Gnatholepis scapulostigma | Herre | 1953 | Synonym |
| Gobius cauerensis | Bleeker | 1853 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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