Ninebar Shrimpgoby

The Ninebar Shrimpgoby, scientifically known as Cryptocentrus cryptocentrus, is a tropical marine fish found in reef-associated environments. It inhabits shallow waters at depths ranging from 3 to 10 meters (approximately 10 to 33 feet). The maximum length of this species is around 13 centimeters (about 5 inches).

The fish features a series of physical traits that include seven dorsal fin spines and ten dorsal soft rays, alongside one anal fin spine and nine anal soft rays. Its head is adorned with numerous distinctive blue spots.

This species is typically found in shallow sandy areas, often associated with seagrasses or sandy reef flats. Geographically, it is located in the undefined, stretching from the 🌊 Red Sea and 🌊 Persian Gulf down to East Africa and surrounding islands. It's worth noting that specimens from southern Africa might be misidentified as Cryptocentrus lutheri, a similar species.

The name Cryptocentrus originates from the Greek words “kryptos,” meaning hidden, and “kentron,” meaning sting, reflecting perhaps some aspect of its behavior or habitat.