Pearl goby

📖 Overview

Pearl goby (Istigobius spence), first described by Smith, 1947 is a small fish in the family Gobiidae (order Gobiiformes). Adults typically reach 7.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 12 metres. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. 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

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 26. Pectoral fin rays entire. Predorsal cycloid scale 7-10, ctenoid on trunk. Few spots on nape; a dusky line running from eye dorsal to sensory pore path, ending at or before pectoral fin base; wavy brown lines on the snout. Pelvic and distal part of anal fins darker in males than in females. Appressed anal fin reaching within a distance of 1-2 scales of caudal fin in male, 2-4 scales in female; appressed 2nd dorsal slightly overlapping caudal in male. Some males exhibit 3-4 vertical bars on abdomen and 2-3 horizontal bars in 1st dorsal fin ; longitudinal scale series 30-32; no scales on cheek and opercle; body depth 4.9-6.1 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Pearl goby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

Genital papilla of male reaching anal spine. Female genital papilla truncate, ending well before origin of anal fin.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 12 m . Tropical; 15°N - 40°S

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Pearl goby.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute