Broad-Barred Goby

The Broad-Barred Goby, known scientifically as Gobiodon histrio, is a small tropical, marine fish that typically dwells among coral reefs in the Indo-West Pacific region, extending from the 🌊 Red Sea to 🇼🇸 Samoa, and as far north as southern 🇯🇵 Japan and south to the Great Barrier Reef. This fish is usually found at depths ranging from 2 to 15 meters (about 6.5 to 49 feet). It reaches a maximum length of about 3.5 centimeters (1.4 inches).

The Gobiodon histrio is visually distinctive with its green body accentuated by red to violet stripes, which may appear as broken lines or spots along its sides. The head features 4 to 5 reddish bars. Notably, this species lacks scales and has a complete pelvic fin frenum and basal membrane. The body depth at the level of the pelvic fins measures between 2.2 and 2.7 times in standard length.

This goby is a facultative air-breather, found primarily among the branches of Acropora corals, with which it has a commensal relationship. It can be seen either alone or in pairs and is also found in reef crests and lagoons. The species has 6 to 7 dorsal spines, 10 dorsal soft rays, 1 anal spine, and 9 anal soft rays.

Its name, Gobiodon, combines the Latin word "gobius" meaning gudgeon and the Greek word "odous" meaning teeth.

The Broad-Barred Goby is of commercial importance, both in fisheries and the aquarium trade.