Sharknose gobies are cleaner fish that will eat parasites off of other fish.
  • Size

    1.6 inches (4.1 cm)
  • Diet

    Parasites off of other fish
  • Range

    Western Atlantic Ocean
  • Habitat

    Clear, insular coral reefs

Physical Characteristics

  • Individuals typically measure around 1.6 inches (4.1 cm) in length.
  • The mouth is terminal: near the tip of its pointed snout.
  • Pelvic fins join to form a cup-like suction disk.
  • Coloration is dark, with a yellow stripe in front of each eye joining at its snout to form a “V.” A dark line extends from its snout past its gill opening to the caudal, or tail, fin.

 

Animal Fact

The pelvic fins of sharknose goby join to form a cup-like suction disk.

Diet / Feeding

  • A cleaner fish that eats parasites off of other fish.
  • Larva feeds on small plankton.

Range / Habitat

  • Occurs in the Western Atlantic from the Bahamas, and Lesser Antilles to South America’s northern coast.
  • Found on clear, insular coral reefs at depths up to 174 feet (53 m).
  • May appear singly or in groups of up to six individuals on a single coral.

Reproduction & Growth

  • It is possible for this species to hybridize with Elacatinus figaro, the barber goby.
  • A monogamous species often appearing in pairs.

Conservation Status

  • “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.

Sources

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