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Ascension reef-goby (Priolepis ascensionis) — Gobiidae

Ascension reef-goby

Priolepis ascensionis
Family: Gobiidae

The Ascension reef-goby (Priolepis ascensionis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–50.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: St Helena, Ascension I.

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Description

The Ascension reef-goby is a tiny coral goby (Gobiidae) from reef water of the Atlantic around Ascension. The species grows to only about 3 cm and has a stocky, often red-brown body with narrow pale crossbars and fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a cryptic dweller it often sits upside down in crevices, holes and under overhanging coral and snaps at minute zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ascension reef-goby?

The Ascension reef-goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Ascension reef-goby live?

The Ascension reef-goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: St Helena, Ascension I.

How big does the Ascension reef-goby get?

The Ascension reef-goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Ascension reef-goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Ascension reef-goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ascension reef-goby sourced
Scientific name
Priolepis ascensionis
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
3 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Africa: St Helena, Ascension I. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Priolepis

More from the family Gobiidae

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