Buan Goby

Amblygobius buanensis

The Buan Goby is a small reef-associated fish found in the Western Pacific, specifically from the southern Philippines to Java, Indonesia, and Palau in Micronesia. It typically inhabits silty inner tidal flats near mangroves and seagrass beds, usually hovering just above the bottom. This species is characterized by three grey to reddish stripes on the upper two-thirds of its body, interspersed with irregular red markings. The lower side of the body features five diffuse dark grey blotches and a distinctive dark brown spot at the base of the caudal fin. Its dorsal fins are equal in height, and it has a rounded caudal fin. The body is covered with ctenoid scales, while the nape, abdomen, and opercle have cycloid scales. Divers can encounter the Buan Goby at depths ranging from 0 to 15 meters, though it is most commonly found between 0 and 4 meters. This goby feeds on small invertebrates and organic matter, contributing to its role in the ecosystem as a bottom-dwelling species. The Buan Goby is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Divers may find this species hovering above the silty seabed, making it a potentially interesting subject for underwater photography.