Tangaroa Shrimpgoby

Ctenogobiops tangaroai is a species of goby of the family Gobiidae, native to the reefs of the Pacific Ocean where it can be found in fine-grained sand patches at depths of from 4 to 40 metres (13 to 131 ft). This species is commensal with alpheid shrimps, with a fish and shrimp sharing a burrow. This species can reach a length of 6 centimetres (2.4 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.

Description

Characterized by having semi-translucent whitish body; orange spots interspersed with small white or bluish spots on body; dorsal fin brownish "pennant"; basal part of pectoral fin with white marking forming long, diffuse narrow white streak; greatly prolonged first and second dorsal spines; longitudinal scale series 47-51; opening of gill extending forward to vertical at posterior edge of eye; greatest depth of body 4.3-5.2 in SL; rounded caudal fin, except straight in central part, about equal to head length.

Distribution

Pacific Ocean.

Habitat

Occurs in patches of fine sand on seaward reefs and uses alpheid shrimp burrows for refuge. Found in clear coastal and inner reefs on rubble flats and slopes in 6-40 meters depth range.