Shortstripe Goby

Elacatinus chancei

The Shortstripe Goby is a small reef fish, reaching a maximum length of about 5 cm. It has a distinctive appearance with a translucent pale grey body and a bright yellow line extending from the eye to near the pectoral fin, bordered by black lines that merge into a broad stripe towards the tail. This species is typically found in tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean, including the Bahamas, the Antilles, and northern Venezuela. It inhabits depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters, often associating with sponges like Verongia aerophoba and Neofibularia nolitangere. This goby feeds primarily on parasitic worms that reside on the surface of its sponge hosts. It spends much of its time inside the sponge osculi but can also be seen resting on the sponge's outer surface. Unlike many fish, the Shortstripe Goby lacks a lateral line system and instead relies on sensory organs in its head for navigation and detecting its environment. Divers encountering this species may find it nestled within sponges, making it a unique sight on reef dives. The Shortstripe Goby is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.