Blueband goby
📖 Overview
Common in clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs, over hard bottoms as well as over sand and rubble. Typical along reef-crests in depths of 1-6 m, but has also been collected from depths of 24 m. Usually seen in pairs, hovering near their burrow. Monogamous . Adults feed on small benthic invertebrates, fishes, and fish eggs by sifting mouthfuls of sand.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17 - 19; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 16 - 19. Characterized by pale grey body color; yellowish head; bluish curved bar from below eye to opercle ; thin bluish white bar on pectoral fin base; second to fourth dorsal spines prolonged as filaments in fish larger than about 4.5 cm; rounded caudal fin, longer than head; longitudinal scale series 101-126; ctenoid body scales, becoming cycloid anteriorly below first dorsal fin; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward to above or slightly before middle of opercle; fully scaled pectoral fin base and prepelvic area in adult; depth of body 4.5-5.1 in SL .: fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blueband goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Distinct pairing . Females spawn every 13 days while males guard the eggs which are laid in a burrow for 2-3 days . Both sexes impose monogamy as a practise by guarding each other against other possible mates . Mate guarding is made possible because all males were able to hold a nest site, both sexes exhibit strong site fidelity, and residents have an advantage in contests over mates . Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory ; depth range 1 - 25 m , usually 1 - 6 m . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C ; 31°N - 35°S, 24°E - 132°W East Africa to Tuamoto Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Sydney, Australia, including Lord Howe Island.
🌿 Ecology
small benthic invertebrates, fishes, and fish eggs by sifting mouthfuls of sand
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blueband 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) | 133 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blueband 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleotriodes strigatus | Broussonet | 1782 | Synonym |
| Gobiomorus taiboa | Lacepède | 1800 | Synonym |
| Gobius strigatus | Broussonet | 1782 | Synonym |
| Valencienea strigata | Broussonet | 1782 | Synonym |
| Valencienna strigata | Broussonet | 1782 | Synonym |
| Valenciennea strigata arcusbranchiae | Fowler | 1946 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Blueband goby.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 9 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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