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Largefin shrimpgoby (Vanderhorstia macropteryx) — Gobiidae

Largefin shrimpgoby

Vanderhorstia macropteryx
Family: Gobiidae

The Largefin shrimpgoby (Vanderhorstia macropteryx) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.1 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
20.0–110.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Japan

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Description

The largefin shrimpgoby is a goby (Gobiidae) from clear sand and rubble water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, pale body with fine spots and colourful, enlarged dorsal fins. It lives in a burrow shared with a near-blind pistol shrimp: the shrimp digs and maintains it while the sharp-eyed goby guards the entrance and warns of danger. It snaps at passing zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Largefin shrimpgoby?

The Largefin shrimpgoby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Largefin shrimpgoby live?

The Largefin shrimpgoby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Japan

How big does the Largefin shrimpgoby get?

The Largefin shrimpgoby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Largefin shrimpgoby dangerous to humans?

No, the Largefin shrimpgoby 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
Largefin shrimpgoby sourced
Scientific name
Vanderhorstia macropteryx
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Bigfin shrimpgoby sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.1 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
White inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
20.0 verified
Max depth (m)
110.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Japan 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
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 Vanderhorstia

More from the family Gobiidae

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