ANIMAL SPECIES:Signal Goby, Fusigobius signipinnis (Hoese & Obika, 1988)
The Signal Goby is translucent with tiny dark orange-brown spots on the body. The first part of the dorsal fin has black tips and a large orange blotch with white spots. The rest of the dorsal fin, the anal fin and the caudal fin are transparent.
Identification
The Signal Goby is translucent with tiny dark orange-brown spots on the body. The first part of the dorsal fin has black tips and a large orange blotch with white spots. The rest of the dorsal fin, the anal fin and the caudal fin are transparent.
Size range
The species grows to about 6 cm in length.Distribution
It occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Pacific, from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, south to Australia and east to Tonga.
In Australia the Signal Goby is known from the north-western coast of Western Australia and from the northern Great Barrier Reef, Queensland.
Habitat
The Signal Goby is usually seen on sand adjacent to coral reefs. It hides in the coral when approached.
This fish can be found at depths between 5 m and 25 m.
Behaviour and adaptations
Other behaviours and adaptations
The Signal Goby is often observed raising and lowering its dorsal fin, hence the common name.
Classification
- Species:
- signipinnis
- Genus:
- Fusigobius
- Family:
- Gobiidae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 415.
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