Signal Goby

Signigobius biocellatus

UncommonGobiidaeHarmless

ID points

Each of the two dorsal fins carries a large eyespot, together like a face
Always moves in pairs, sifting sand together
When alarmed it raises the dorsal fins to mimic the head of a big fish

Basics

Family: Gobiidae
Length: 5–7 cm
Depth: 1-30 m
Regions: Indo-Pacific reefs
Distribution: Sandy bottoms of Indo-Pacific reef areas
Habitat: Sandy bottoms beside reefs
Diet: Small invertebrates in the sand

Easily confused with

MudskipperTwo eyes bulge from the top of the head and swivel independently

GobyThe two pelvic fins are fused into a single sucker

Shrimp GobySeveral broad orange bars on a white ground

Fun fact

Each of its two dorsal fins carries a black eyespot. Threatened by a predator, it raises the two fins alternately and rocks its body from side to side, mimicking the menacing posture of dangerous fish such as the lionfish, a bluff convincing enough to send the predator away.

More in this family

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