Maude's Shrimpgoby

Cryptocentrus maudae

Maude's Shrimpgoby is a reef-associated fish found in the Western Central Pacific, inhabiting shallow waters up to 10 meters deep. It is characterized by its mottled dark brown body with at least five distinct whitish saddles across its back. A narrow white bar is present in the middle of each interspace between these saddles, setting it apart from similar species like C. leucostictus. The snout and jaw tips are bright white, and the anal fin features diagonal dark bands. Its body is elongated with a circular cross-section, and it has a rounded caudal fin that is slightly longer than its head. This species is commonly found in tide pools and mud flats of brackish to fresh waters, as well as on rubble patches on coastal reefs. Encounters with Maude's Shrimpgoby during a dive are likely to be in shallow, coastal waters where it may be seen perching or hovering near the bottom. It is considered harmless to humans and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN.