Common Frill-fin Goby in fringing, mangrove habitat off Bahowo Village, Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.


Fringing mangroves off Bahowo Village, Manado, Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Family : GOBIIDAE
Species : Bathygobius fuscus
Maximum Length : 7 cm

References : F2

Also known as the Dusky Frillgoby, this medium-sized goby inhabits coral reefs, rocky coasts and brackish coastal creeks, sometimes venturing  into the lower reaches of freshwater streams. It is a benthic feeder, generally seen resting on the substrate.

The species is identified based on the dark bars and saddles which adorn the dorsal surface, on a pale cream background.

The pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded : these are translucent  with pale flecks which are more dense proximally.

The Common Frill-fin Goby is wide-ranging from East Africa through the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia to Japan and the Western Pacific Ocean, including the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.