Blotched Sand Goby, Fusigobius inframaculatus (Randall, 1994)

Introduction

The Blotched Sand Goby can be recognised by its transparent body and distinct coloured blotches. It isusually found over sandy and rubble covered substrates.

Identification

The Blotched Sand Goby can be recognised by its transparent body with orange spots. There is a distinct white blotch, followed by a black blotch laterally on the caudal peduncle.

Habitat

Usually found over sandy or rubble substrates at a depth between 1.5 m - 15 m.

Distribution

The Australian distribution of this species is based on specimens in museums from Raine Island, Queensland to Escape Reef, Queensland.

The fish in the image was photographed by Ian Shaw at North Solitary Island, New South Wales, well south of this recorded distribution.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

1. Myers, R.F. 1999. Micronesian Reef Fishes. Coral Graphics. Pp. 330. (as Coryphopterus sp B)
2. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557. (as Coryphopterus sp)
3. Randall, J.E. 2005. Reef and Shore Fishes of the South Pacific: New Caledonia to Tahiti and the Pitcairn Islands. University of Hawai'i Press. Pp. 584.