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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Decorated goby

Istigobius decoratus Herre, 1927
Max Length
13 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.4
Depth
1–25 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

A common species that inhabits areas of coralline sand of clear lagoon and seaward reefs . Found singly. Minimum depth from Ref. 58018.

Scientific Name
Istigobius decoratus
Authority
Herre, 1927
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
13 cm
Depth Range
1–25 m
Latitude
40°S – 30°N
Trophic Level
3.4
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
24.00/100
Water Temp
23–29 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 26. Color highly variable, brownish on upper half, grading to white below; dark brown scale margins forming honeycomb pattern and midlateral row of double dark brown spots forming rectangular markings ; segmented and non branching caudal rays 3 (rarely 2), branching 14 (rarely 15). Predorsal cycloid scales 7-10, trunk ctenoid. Few with no black spots on nape. Isthmus narrow, scaled forward to vertical at posterior part of preoperculum. 2 diagonal, dusky lines on operculum; an inverted U-shaped spot prominent at the distal end of upper jaw. Pectoral fin with small dusky spots; 2 longitudinal lines on pectoral base spreading onto it fin rays. Sexual dimorphism exhibited in anal, pelvic and 2nd dorsal fin .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Decorated goby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Decorated goby is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Genital papilla of male sometimes darkly pigmented and reaching to side of anal spine. Female genital papilla truncate, ending well before origin of anal fin.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 25 m , usually 1 - 18 m . Tropical; 23°C - 29°C ; 30°N - 40°S West Pacific: Persian Gulf (Ref.

🌿 Ecology

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

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00891 × L2.91 (TL)
Max TL
13cm
Dorsal Spines
7
Dorsal Rays
11
Anal Spines
1
Anal Rays
10
Vertebrae
26

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
23–29°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2017

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
24.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.4
Predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Latitude Range
30°N – 40°S
Described By
Herre, 1927

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Decorated 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 18.5 g
Omega-3 (total) 142 mg

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Decorated 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
Acentrogobius decoratus Herre 1927 Synonym
Ctenogobius decoratus Herre 1927 Synonym
Rhinogobius decoratus Herre 1927 Synonym

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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