Fin's Fish Guide
The Ornate shrimpgoby (Vanderhorstia ornatissima) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Oceania: Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, Japan and others
Description
The ornate shrimpgoby is a goby (Gobiidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a slender, pale body with ornate orange and blue bars and spots and large pectoral fins. Characteristically it lives in symbiosis with a blind digging shrimp: the shrimp digs and maintains the shared burrow while the sharp-eyed goby stands guard and warns of danger. It eats small zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ornate shrimpgoby?
The Ornate shrimpgoby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.
Where does the Ornate shrimpgoby live?
The Ornate shrimpgoby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: Australia, Cocos Is. (Keel), French Polynesia, Guam, Indonesia, Japan and others
How big does the Ornate shrimpgoby get?
The Ornate shrimpgoby grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Ornate shrimpgoby dangerous to humans?
No, the Ornate 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.
Is the Ornate shrimpgoby edible?
Yes, the Ornate shrimpgoby is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Vanderhorstia
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Ornate shrimpgoby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ornate shrimpgoby is one of 12,519 species in the app.