Whitecap Goby

The Whitecap Goby (Lotilia graciliosa) is a small marine fish found in tropical regions, specifically in reef-associated environments at depths of 10 to 15 meters (32.8 to 49.2 feet). This species reaches a maximum length of 3.1 centimeters (approximately 1.2 inches). A distinctive aspect of the Whitecap Goby is its symbiotic relationship with certain species of snapping shrimp. It is commonly found in sandy areas, swimming freely around 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches) above the shrimp's nest, using its pectoral fins to move. In the northern 🌊 Red Sea, it has been observed associating with a different snapping shrimp species, likely the Red-spotted Goby Shrimp (Alpheus rubromaculatus).

This goby can be identified by several unique features: it lacks cephalic sensory canals and pores, and its sensory papillae do not extend below a horizontal line drawn from a particular reference point on its body. The fish displays a broad space between certain rows of sensory papillae on its body sides, and it has 14 branched caudal-fin rays. A notable characteristic is the presence of a distinct black spot with a pale border on its first dorsal fin, which does not have additional black spots on the caudal fin. The dorsal fin has 7 spines and 9 soft rays, whereas the anal fin may have between 1 and 9 spines and 9 soft rays. The Whitecap Goby possesses 26 vertebrae.

The species is predominantly found in the 🌊 Western Indian Ocean, particularly in the 🌊 Red Sea and nearby regions, but similar species are known to exist in the Indo-West Pacific area. Lotilia graciliosa is valued in commercial fisheries and is popular in the aquarium trade.