Rapanui goby
📖 Overview
Rapanui goby (Gnatholepis pascuensis), first described by Randall & Greenfield, 2001 is a tiny fish in the family Gobiidae (order Gobiiformes). Adults typically reach 4.40 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 17 to 40 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Gobiidae kept in the hobby.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species is rather small (up to 4.5 cm SL) with a distinctive colour pattern of two rows of five elongate dense black blotches on side of body, the anteriormost three blotches are the largest, joined by faint broken yellowish brown lines in life; presence of a very broad black cheek-bar and broad black eye-stripe (both as wide as pupil) crossing interorbital space; body with ctenoid scales reaching rear corner of opercle, or to above pectoral fin base; nape midline scales always cycloid; presence of a few ctenoid scales on opercle; a distinct flap present at end of lower lip; pectoral fin rays 18-19 .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Rapanui goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 17 - 40 m . Tropical Southeast Pacific: Easter Island.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Rapanui goby.
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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