Sleeper Banded Goby

Amblygobius phalaena

Habitat & Distribution :  Western Indian-Pacific Ocean

Diet : Small invertebrates and algae

Size: Up to 15cm

Lifespan: 2 - 5 years

Description

Its body has a base color ranging from greenish-gray to brownish. Its most distinctive features are the dark vertical stripes along its body and small, iridescent blue-green spots around its head and cheeks.

Behavior

Sifter gobies love to sift sand through their mouths to extract small organisms or algae, subsequently expelling the clean sand through their gill slits. Generally, these fish are very peaceful toward other fish species. However, they can become highly aggressive toward members of their own species, unless they form an established male-female pair.

Reproduction

These fish are monogamous, meaning they live in faithful pairs with the same partner over an extended period. They work together to defend their territory and nesting burrow against intrusions by other fish. The male remains at the nest to guard the eggs from predators and fans his fins to ensure a continuous flow of oxygen-rich water over the eggs. During this period of guarding the eggs.

Communication & Perception

The Sleeper Goby has eyes positioned high on its head, providing a wide field of view. This allows it to keep an eye out for predators approaching from above or across the reef surface while its mouth is busy sifting through sand. When communicating with a mate or encountering fish of other species, it spreads its dorsal fin wide to appear larger and intimidate rivals.

Predator

The primary predators of this fish are apex coral reef predators, particularly groupers or lionfish.