Spikefin goby (Discordipinna griessingeri)

Latin name

Discordipinna griessingeri

Other names

Flaming prawn goby

Identification

Body completely covered with scales. Longitudinal row of scales 22-25; cycloid scales anteriorly, ctenoid posteriorly; cheeks and elytra without scales; upper part of head with large scales; body depth 5.3 cm. 

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 5-6; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-8; Anal spines: 1; anal soft rays: 8. Head white with brown spots; dorsal half of body white with narrow orange stripe; caudal fins orange with three large brown spots on second dorsal fin. and upper part of caudal fin; orange pectoral fin with white central part; strongly elongated first two dorsal spines; pectoral rays with filiform tips; pelvic fins united in a disc reaching to the beginning of the anal fin; caudal fin pointed.

Fish colouring

Characteristics: Head white with brown spots; dorsal half of body white with narrow orange stripes; caudal fins orange with three large brown spots on the second dorsal and upper part of the caudal fin; orange pectoral fin with white centre.

Distribution

Found throughout the western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Red Sea, including Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Habitat

It is a bottom dwelling fish that inhabits crevices and pockets of coral reefs from 2 to 50 metres deep along reef rocks, rubble and sand. It is a tropical species that prefers temperatures between 23°C and 27°C.

Size

Adult SL range in length from 10 to 22 mm (0.5-0.75 in). Maximum length: 3.0 cm.

Behavior

Leads a reclusive life.

Food and feeding habits

Bentophage.

Reproduction 

Sexual dimorphism, if any, within the species is currently unknown.

Fishing

Fished from coral reefs for aquarium use.

Relationship with a person

Sold as an exotic aquarium fish in many countries.