Tangaroa Shrimpgoby
Ctenogobiops tangaroai
Tangaroa Shrimpgoby
Ctenogobiops tangaroai
Lubbock and Polunin, 1977
Description
Body design
This is a small goby, around 6 cm, white with orange lateral spots interspersed with tiny white or bluish spots.
Fin design
The first dorsal fin is very tall. White spot on pectoral fin base.
Diagnostic features
The body markings are brighter than in other species of Ctenogobiops, and the elongated dorsal fin is diagnostic.
Similar species
Various sand gobies, not shrimp associated, are of similar size and habitually signal with the dorsal fin.
Natural History
Habitat
2 to 40 m
Occurs on small sand patches, recessed into high profile walls of patch reef pinnacles or outer reef wall, mostly at 10 to 14 m depth. The sand is usually fairly coarse with many coral rock fragments, which are closely packed to support the entrance.
Behaviour
They are probably no more nervous than other members of their genus but give that impression by the constant flicking of the long dorsal fin.
Distribution
Published distribution
East Indian region (Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea. ) to Palau, Guam, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa, Ryukyu Islands to Australia (Great Barrier Reef). (AE)
Our records
Solomon Islands; Nggela Islands
Papua New Guinea; Ninnigo Islands
Australia; Whitsunday outer reefs, Ribbon Reefs.
Associated Shrimp species
Associated Shrimps (one Shrimp)
Yellow Pyjama Snapping Shrimp, Alpheus ochrostriatus