Saddled Shrimpgoby

Cryptocentrus leucostictus

The Saddled Shrimpgoby is a small reef-associated fish known for its distinctive appearance and symbiotic lifestyle. It reaches a maximum length of 7.5 cm and is characterized by its dark brown body adorned with several white saddles along its back. The lips, snout, and top of the head are white, making it easy to identify. Its elongated body has a circular cross-section, and the rounded caudal fin is notably longer than the head. The Saddled Shrimpgoby has a unique fin structure, with 6 to 7 dorsal spines and 10 to 11 dorsal soft rays, as well as 1 anal spine and 9 to 10 anal soft rays. The pelvic fins are united, with the presence of a frenum, and the head is devoid of scales. This species inhabits clear seaward reefs, typically found on open sand bottoms down to at least 20 meters. It is often seen along the edges of protected reefs with coarse sand and fine rubble, and it can also be found in lagoon sand bottoms. The Saddled Shrimpgoby forms a symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimps, sharing burrows with them. It is distributed across the Western Pacific, with its range extending to the Andaman Sea and Samoa. Divers encountering the Saddled Shrimpgoby can expect a harmless and shy fish that is often seen hovering near its burrow. It is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Observing this goby in its natural habitat offers insight into the symbiotic relationships that exist on coral reefs.