Scarlet Shrimpgoby

The Scarlet Shrimpgoby (Ctenogobiops tangaroai), also known as the silver-spotted shrimp-goby, is a small tropical marine fish found in reef environments. This species is typically observed at depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters (3 to 49 feet) and can reach a maximum length of 5.5 centimeters (about 2.2 inches).

The goby is distinguished by its colorful patterns, featuring four rows of dark brown spots and blue dots along its body. It possesses seven dorsal spines and between 11 to 12 dorsal soft rays, along with one anal spine and 11 anal soft rays. The fish’s pectoral fins have 19 rays, and its body features 55 to 60 longitudinal scales. The Scarlet Shrimpgoby has a distinct snout, forming an angle of approximately 40 degrees relative to its body. It has a wide gill opening that nearly reaches the back of the eye and a rounded caudal fin.

Its body displays an array of distinctive markings, including four longitudinal rows of dark brown spots. The first and third rows resemble thick dashes, while the second row consists of smaller spots, except for a larger first spot above the gill opening. The fourth row presents smaller spots on the abdomen, akin to pupil size, with the rest appearing as dark flecks. On its head, just behind the eye, there are three rows of dark dashes, and across its lips, you can observe four rows of dark brown dashes and dots.

Geographically, this species is widespread across the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the 🌊 Red Sea to the western Pacific, including notable locations such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan).

The scientific name, Ctenogobiops, derives from Greek and Latin roots meaning "comb" and "appearance," alluding to its distinct morphology.