Crosshatch Goby

Amblygobius decussatus is a species of goby native to tropical reefs in the western Pacific Ocean, but may be widespread in the central Indo-Pacific area. It prefers living on muddy substrates where it utilizes an invertebrate burrow for shelter. It sifts through mouthfuls of sand, consuming organic matter and small invertebrates contained therein. This species can reach a length of 9.5 centimetres (3.7 in) SL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.

Description

Characterized by pale bluish-grey body color with pair of distinct orange stripes on head; sides with four faint orange stripes and diffuse cross-bars; base of caudal fin with orange spot; first and second dorsal fin equal in height; rounded caudal fin; longitudinal scale series 55-60; predorsal scales 23-28; scales dorsally on opercle, absent on cheek; ctenoid body scales; cycloid scales on nape, abdomen, and opercle; depth of body 4.0-4.6 in SL.

Distribution

Western Central Pacific: Philippines to New Caledonia, north to Yaeyama Islands, south to the Great Barrier Reef; throughout Micronesia.

Habitat

Inhabits muddy bottoms of inshore bays and lagoons from about 3 to at least 20 m and uses a vertical, tube-like burrow of an unidentified invertebrate for refuge. Occurs in coastal and inner reefs on sand and rubble flats to about 20 meters depth. Feeds by sifting mouthfuls of sand to capture small invertebrates and organic matter.