Shoulderspot Goby

Gnatholepis cauerensis is a species of fish in the family Gobiidae, the gobies.

Description

Distinguished by the following characteristics: moderate-sized (up to 56 mm SL) with wide range in live colour pattern; ctenoid body scales usually reaching rear corner of opercle, occasionally ctenoid scales reaching to above rear preopercular margin; nape midline scales always cycloid, distinct flap present at end of lower lip. Colour variable: body translucent white with five to seven rows of small variably coloured (dull orange, brown, red-brown to blackish) spots and/or thin lines and about six indistinct diffuse orange-brown to purple-brown blotches along midside; narrow vertical black mark on top of each eye, marks may join each other across interorbital space, and narrow black vertical line crossing cheek below eye; small dark mark of variable shape (often W-shaped) above pectoral fin base, with small yellow spot in centre; second dorsal and anal fin rays usually I,11; pectoral rays 12-18, modally 16; lateral scales 24-30, modally 27; 7-12 predorsal scales (modally 9).

Distribution

Indo-Pacific: Natal, South Africa and Madagascar to the Hawaiian Islands, north to southern Japan, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Habitat

A common species that occurs in sheltered sandy areas from reef flats to seaward reefs; over sandy bottoms near pieces of rubble, rock, or coral (live or dead). Solitary or in small groups. Feeds on algae, detritus and small benthic invertebrates.