Nocturn Goby

Amblygobius nocturnus

The Nocturn Goby is a small fish from the Gobiidae family, easily recognized by its pale grey body with pink stripes that are most vivid on the head. It has a series of 8-9 dark spots along the base of its dorsal fin, and both dorsal fins are of equal height. The caudal fin is slightly pointed, and the body shape is streamlined with an oval cross-section. This species can grow up to 10 cm in length. This goby is found in tropical marine settings, including the Western Indian Ocean regions like the Maldives, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf, and extends across the Pacific Ocean from the Philippines to the Tuamoto Islands. It typically inhabits depths of 1 to 30 meters, favoring areas with fine sandy or muddy bottoms near inner lagoons and coastal reefs. Nocturn Gobies often exhibit monogamous behavior, usually seen alone or in pairs. Their diet mainly consists of small invertebrates and organic matter. According to the IUCN, this species is categorized as Least Concern. Divers may encounter this harmless fish in its typical habitats.