Maiden goby
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit sandy areas of clear lagoon and seaward reefs . They occur in pairs and use burrows as refuge. Monogamous . The burrow is shallow, only a few cm, and made under large pieces of rubble. May be found on dark volcanic sand such as those in the Philippines, Indonesia, and the northern Mariana Is. Also Ref. 58652.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 11 - 12. Characterized by pale grey body color for Pacific fish with row of large orange spots on side, a series of dash-like markings below, smaller orange spots on back and blue to whitish streaks or spots on head; Indian Ocean fish with pale blue-grey body color with orange stripe across lower head, cheeks with blue markings and orange bars on side connected to pale orange stripe on lower half; third dorsal spine, longest, filamentous in juveniles under 40 mm SL; rounded caudal fin, 3.0-4.2 in SL; longitudinal scale series 79-91; ctenoid body scales, becoming cycloid anteriorly before first dorsal fin, on lower side, and midline of abdomen; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward to above middle of operculum; scaleless pectoral fin base; partly to fully scaled prepelvic area; depth of body 4.8-6.0 in SL .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Maiden goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Maiden goby is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 2 - 84 m , usually 10 - 30 m . Tropical; 22°C - 26°C ; 32°N - 24°S north to southern Japan, south to the Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Maiden 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 | 18.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 145 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Maiden goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Orange Dashed Goby · Orange-dashed Goby · Orange-spotted Sleeper Goby · Orange-spotted Sleeper-goby · Orangespotted Glider Goby · maiden goby |
| 🌍CES | hlaváč dívčí |
| 🇫🇷French | Eleotris Taché D'orange · Gobie · Gobie tacheté d'orange |
| 🇯🇵Japanese | Otomehaze · オトメハゼ |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Góbio-de-pintas-laranja |
| 🌍SMO | Mano'o-sina |
| 🌍TGL | Biya · Bunak |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 大鱗凡塘鱧 · 點帶范氏塘鱧 |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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