Ornate goby
📖 Overview
A common species that inhabits mangroves and silty, rocky areas; occasionally found in rubble reef areas. Only single individuals were observed; many individuals found scattered over a small area . Found primarily in lower estuaries, usually in mangroves. This is the species of the genus that is found farthest inland. Feeds on small invertebrates .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 26. Upper 3-4 pectoral fin rays free. Body color pale gray; operculum with 5 small blue spots interspersed with brownish red spots; 5 vertical rows of white spots on pectoral fins; anterior tip of first dorsal fin bright yellow. 4th spine of 1st dorsal fin longest. Predorsal scales cycloid, trunk ctenoid. Mouth with overhanging snout, lips greatly thickened. Cheeks and operculae without scales. Female pelvic and anal fins not as darkly pigmented as in male. Also with terete body shape, slightly depressed; eyes situated dorso-laterally; reduced swim bladders .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ornate goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Genital papilla, of male varying from lightly to heavily pigmented and terminating to side of anal spine. Female genital papilla lightly pigmented and truncate, terminating well before anal spine . Benthic spawner .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 5 m . Tropical; 21°C - 29°C ; 30°N - 25°S south to northern Mozambique (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
small invertebrates (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ornate 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 | 18.9 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 138 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ornate goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Ornate Sand Goby · Ornate Sand-goby · ornate goby |
| 🇸🇦Arabic | قوبيون مزخرف |
| 🇫🇷French | Gobie de sable orné |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Kazarihaze · カザリハゼ |
| 🌍MAH | Jibalan |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Пунктирнопятнистый истигобиус |
| 🌍THA | ปลาบู่ทราย · ปลาบู่พู่ |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 妝飾銜鰕虎魚 · 飾妝銜鰕虎 · 飾妝銜鰕虎魚 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acentrogobius ornatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Ctenogobius calderae | Evermann & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Gobius calderae | Evermann & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Gobius ehrenbergii | Valenciennes | 1837 | Synonym |
| Gobius elegans | Valenciennes | 1837 | Synonym |
| Gobius interstinctus | Richardson | 1844 | Synonym |
| Gobius ornatus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Gobius periophthalmoides | Bleeker | 1851 | Synonym |
| Gobius stephensoni | Whitley | 1932 | Synonym |
| Gobius thurstoni | Day | 1888 | Synonym |
| Gobius ventralis | Valenciennes | 1837 | Synonym |
| Gobius venustulus | Fowler | 1904 | Synonym |
| Istigobius elegans | Valenciennes | 1837 | Synonym |
| Istigobius stephensoni | Whitley | 1932 | Synonym |
| Rhinogobius calderae | Evermann & Seale | 1906 | Synonym |
| Sicyopterus maritimus | Fourmanoir | 1955 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ornate goby.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 34 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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