Gobiodon quinquestrigatus (Valenciennes, 1837)
Five-lined coral goby
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 70 m
Distribution:  Pacific Ocean: Philippines to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, south to Australia (including Rowley Shoals, Western Australia) and Tonga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 6-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Characterized by dark brown body color and lighter brown to reddish head with five vertical blue lines; young fish with additional vertical lines on body; absence of scales; complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane; depth of body at level of pelvic fins 2.6-2.9 in SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in groups among branches of Acropora coral (Ref. 9710, 48637); a coral-commensal species (Ref. 72446). Feeds on small invertebrates and zooplanktons (Ref. 89972). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). The male takes care of eggs deposited on a coral branch (Ref. 32163). Has the ability to change sex in both directions to favor reproductive success (Ref. 32163).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 28 June 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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