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Diphasic goby (Lythrypnus heterochroma) — Gobiidae

Diphasic goby

Lythrypnus heterochroma
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Diphasic goby (Lythrypnus heterochroma) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The dwarf goby is an extremely small goby (Gobiidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species grows to only a few centimetres and has a colourful body, often with reddish and blue tints and crossbars. It inhabits isolated patch reefs surrounded by white sand, where it keeps among crevices and coral. On the bottom it snaps at very small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Diphasic goby?

The Diphasic goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Diphasic goby live?

The Diphasic goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Diphasic goby get?

The Diphasic goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Diphasic goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Diphasic goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Diphasic goby edible?

The Diphasic goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Bonte dwerggrondel sourced
English name
Diphasic goby verified
Scientific name
Lythrypnus heterochroma
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Diphasic Goby; Diphasic goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Pattern
Vertical bars inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Lythrypnus

More from the family Gobiidae

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