Flagtail Shrimpgoby

Amblyeleotris yanoioi is a marine benthic species of goby native to reef environments of the western Pacific Ocean. It is a small sized fish that can reach a maximum size of 13 centimetres (5.1 in) length for males and 5 centimetres (2.0 in) for females.

Description

The Flagtail Shrimp Goby is a vibrantly colored and beautifully patterned species of shrimpgoby that can form a close, symbiotic relationship between it and various alpheid shrimp species. Its body is silvery white marked with brilliant orange bars along with a flashy orange and yellow spade-shaped tail. The dorsal, caudal and anal fins may display reddish orange central area and an oblique vibrant light blue to green bands. Dorsal spines (total): 6 - 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 13. Pelvic fins joined by low membrane, absence of frenum; longitudinal scale series 97-103; midline of nape without scales; scales on side of nape extending forward to above posterior margin of operculum; greatest depth of body 7.7-8.2 in SL; lanceolate caudal fin, longer than head.

As a species of shrimpgoby that forms a symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, the Flagtail Shrimp Goby develops a unique bond and cohabitates with the burrowing crustacean providing a watchful eye while the shrimp digs a burrow for them to share.

Distribution

Western Pacific: from East Thailand to South Japan and Indonesia.

Habitat

It is associated with Alpheus randalli, the red-banded alpheid shrimp, on coastal sand flats, slopes and in deep lagoons at depths of about 3-30 m.