Hector's goby
📖 Overview
Inhabits sheltered bays and inner reefs on fine rubble shaded by large living corals . Occurs solitarily, hovering a short distance above sandy bottoms of reef bases. Stomach contents of one specimen comprise of filamentous algae, harpacticoid copepods, ostracods, amphipods, and nematodes .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15 - 17; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 15 - 16. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI + I,15-17; A I,15-16; pectoral-fin rays 16-17; scales in longitudinal series 49-54, in transverse series 17-18; interorbital wide, 67-90 % of eye diameter; rear margin of upper jaw ending posteriorly slightly behind or at vertical through anterior margin of eye; first two dorsal-fin spines filiform, elongate, remaining progressively shorter, the sixth dorsal-fin spine almost reaches the origin of the second dorsal; small ctenoid scales on body, cycloid at axil of pectoral fin, nape and entire belly, and in the area between first dorsal fin and pectoral fin; predorsal scales 16-22, scales not reaching to the vertical through the posterior edge of eye, ending at the level of pore G or H'; cheek and opercle naked; scales cover the basal 1/3-1/4 of caudal fin, becoming rapidly smaller and cycloid; prepectoral area with about 4-9 vertical series of fine cycloid scales covering the entire base of the pectoral fin; prepelvic area with cycloid scales, 9-14 in the midventral row; width at anal-fin origin 9.9-10.7% of SL; caudal peduncle depth 75.4-88.9% of its length; head depth 47.3-54.4% of HL; length of 11th second dorsal-fin ray 11.8-14.2% of SL; length of 8th anal-fin ray 13.7-14.9% of SL .: elongated; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Hector's goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Hector's goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Hector's goby is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 3 - 30 m , usually 5 - 20 m . Tropical; 22°C - 30°C ; 30°N - 22°S, 32°E - 175°E West Pacific: from Seychelles to Fiji; north to Japan, south to New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Koumansetta Hectori 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 | 17.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 84 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Hector's goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔍 Similar Species
👥 Community & Contribute
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