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Harris' shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris harrisorum) — Gobiidae

Harris' shrimpgoby

Amblyeleotris harrisorum
Family: Gobiidae

The Harris' shrimpgoby (Amblyeleotris harrisorum) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–32 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: Kiribati

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Description

The Harris' shrimpgoby is a goby (Gobiidae) from clear sand and rubble water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a slender, pale body with colourful bars or spots. It lives in a striking partnership with a near-blind pistol shrimp: the shrimp digs and maintains a shared burrow while the sharp-eyed goby guards the entrance and warns of danger with a flick of its tail. It snaps at passing zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Harris' shrimpgoby?

The Harris' shrimpgoby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Harris' shrimpgoby live?

The Harris' shrimpgoby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Kiribati

How big does the Harris' shrimpgoby get?

The Harris' shrimpgoby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Harris' shrimpgoby dangerous to humans?

No, the Harris' shrimpgoby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Harris' shrimpgoby sourced
Scientific name
Amblyeleotris harrisorum
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
32 verified
Natural range
Oceania: Kiribati sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Amblyeleotris

More from the family Gobiidae

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