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Poreless reefgoby (Hetereleotris apora) — Gobiidae

Poreless reefgoby

Hetereleotris apora
Family: Gobiidae

The Poreless reefgoby (Hetereleotris apora) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion I., South Africa, Chagos Is., Cargados Carajos

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Description

The Poreless reefgoby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a slender, brown-speckled body with fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a cryptic bottom-dweller it shelters among coral rubble, stones and crevices and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Poreless reefgoby?

The Poreless reefgoby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Poreless reefgoby live?

The Poreless reefgoby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion I., South Africa, Chagos Is., Cargados Carajos

How big does the Poreless reefgoby get?

The Poreless reefgoby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Poreless reefgoby dangerous to humans?

No, the Poreless reefgoby 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
Poreless reefgoby sourced
Scientific name
Hetereleotris apora
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Poreless goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion I., South Africa, Chagos Is., Cargados Carajos 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 Hetereleotris

More from the family Gobiidae

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