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Black-spot worm goby (Gunnellichthys monostigma) — Microdesmidae

Black-spot worm goby

Gunnellichthys monostigma
Family: Microdesmidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black-spot worm goby (Gunnellichthys monostigma) is a saltwater fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
1.0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Indo-West Pacific; open sandy bottoms with current.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The onespot wormfish is a wormfish (Microdesmidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has a very elongate, worm-shaped body with a long, low dorsal and anal fin and a dark spot near the head. It lives over open sandy bottoms and sand slopes subject to strong currents, where on threat it darts into a burrow. It feeds on small zooplankton from the current. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black-spot worm goby?

The Black-spot worm goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Worm-shaped body; dives lightning-fast into a burrow in the sandy bottom when threatened.

Where does the Black-spot worm goby live?

The Black-spot worm goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific; open sandy bottoms with current.

How big does the Black-spot worm goby get?

The Black-spot worm goby grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Black-spot worm goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Black-spot worm goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black-spot worm goby edible?

The Black-spot worm goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Black-spot worm goby verified
Scientific name
Gunnellichthys monostigma
Family
Microdesmidae
Other names
Black-spot worm-goby; Onespot wormfish; Worm goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
1.0 verified
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
Indo-West Pacific; open sandy bottoms with current. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton from the water current sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Worm-shaped body; dives lightning-fast into a burrow in the sandy bottom when threatened. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gunnellichthys

More from the family Microdesmidae

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