Elacatinus oceanops Jordan, 1904
Neon goby
Elacatinus oceanops
photo by Bryant, K.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 1 - 45 m
Distribution:  Western Central Atlantic: southern Florida to Texas (USA) southward to Belize.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-13; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 9-12. Characterized by a conspicuous coloration: dark blue horizontal band on an almost light body (Ref. 92840). Pale stripe in front of each eye, not reaching tip of snout (Ref. 26938).
Biology:  Inhabits coral heads. Removes ectoparasites on skin and fins, in the mouth and in the gill chambers of greater fish like groupers and others (Ref. 92840). Monogamous (Ref. 52884). Minimum depth reported from Ref. 27115. Has been reared in captivity (Ref. 35420).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 March 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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