Latin name

Amblyeleotris randalli

Other name

Amblyeleotris randalli

Identification

The species and common names are given in honor of the ichthyologist John E. Randall (b. 1924) of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, who drew attention to this goby.

The body of this fish is elongated and cylindrical. The eyes are round and convex. The mouth is large and shaped like an inverted "U". This species lacks median predorsal scales. Embedded cycloid scales projecting forward on the occipital side are slightly anterior to the upper end of the gill operculum. Longitudinal scales row 54-63 mm. The greatest depth of the body is 4.9-5.7 mm in cross section. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 12. 

Randall's goby has a high and fan-shaped first dorsal fin. Separate pelvic fins connected only by a low band at the base. Caudal fin usually longer than the head.

Fish colouring

The background coloration is white with thin bands of orange to yellow. The first stripe wraps around the front of the head and passes over the eye. There are many small whitish spots on the white parts of the body. Another distinctive feature is a black and white spot on the anterior dorsal fin when it is unfolded. 

Distribution

Western Pacific: from the Moluccas to the Solomon Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the northern Great Barrier Reef; Palau in Micronesia.

Habitat

A tropical marine species associated with reefs. Occurs on soft substrates consisting of coarse sand and coquina in rubble caves at depths of 25 to 50 meters (82 to 164 feet).

Size

It is a small fish that can grow up to 12 centimeters long. 

Behavior

Occurs in areas of carbonate sand on reefs with clear water. Usually in rocky caves where the shrimp Olivaceus with short white transverse markings.

Food and feeding habits

The Randall's Prawn Goby is a carnivore and usually feeds on small crustaceans or fish that pass near its burrow.

Reproduction

These fish can be bred in captivity.

Fishing

Commercially important in fisheries. They are caught for sale to aquariums.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. This species can be found in the aquarium trade.