Banded reef goby
📖 Overview
Banded reef goby (Priolepis cincta), first described by Regan, 1908 is a small fish in the family Gobiidae (order Gobiiformes). Adults typically reach 7.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits marine coastal and open-ocean environments. Recorded depth range: 1 to 70 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 important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Gobiidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7 - 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9. Characterized by having alternating dark-edged brown and narrower white bars on head and body; dorsal and caudal fins with brown spotting; basal part of dorsal fins with dark spots/bands; longitudinal scale series 27-31; ctenoid scales on body except cycloid on abdomen, prepectoral and prepelvic areas; upper opercle with a patch of cycloid scales; cheek without scales; depth of body 3.8-4.6 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: compressed.
🌀 Behaviour
The fish is a benthic spawner. They tend to hide in caves and crevices, and can also be found in corals. It is a monogamous fish and are an average length of 7 centimetres. The species is used in aquarium commercial use by humans.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Benthic spawner . Bi-directional sex change was proposed for this species . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 1 - 70 m , usually 1 - 30 m . Tropical; 32°N - 24°S West Pacific: Red Sea, Persian Gulf and east coast of Africa to islands of Micronesia, Fiji and Tonga; Japan to Coral Sea.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Banded reef 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 | 18.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 186 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Banded reef 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
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amblygobius naraharae | Snyder | 1908 | Synonym |
| Cingulogobius boulengeri | Seale | 1910 | Synonym |
| Gobiomorphus cinctus | Regan | 1908 | Synonym |
| Pleurogobius boulengeri | Seale | 1910 | Synonym |
| Priolepis naraharae | Snyder | 1908 | Synonym |
| Quisquilius cinctus | Regan | 1908 | Synonym |
| Zonogobius naraharae | Snyder | 1908 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Banded reef goby.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 6 records indexed .
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