Masui's Shrimpgoby

Amblyeleotris masuii

Masui's Shrimpgoby is a small reef fish belonging to the family Gobiidae, found in the subtropical waters of the Southwest Pacific around Okinawa-jima in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. This species inhabits coastal to outer reef sand slopes, typically at depths ranging from 12 to 35 meters. Divers can identify this goby by its pale grey body with a whitish ventral surface, adorned with four distinctive brown bars and irregular brown reticulations on the head. The head also features scattered blue spots and streaks, adding to its unique appearance. The goby's dorsal fin consists of seven spines and thirteen soft rays, while the anal fin has one spine and thirteen soft rays. It has a lanceolate caudal fin that is longer than the head length, and the pelvic fins are united by a low membrane at their base. Masui's Shrimpgoby lacks median predorsal scales, and its elongated body has a circular cross-section. The IUCN Red List categorizes this species as Least Concern.