Redhead Goby

Elacatinus puncticulatus

The Redhead Goby is a small reef fish found in the eastern central Pacific, from the Gulf of California to Ecuador. It is easily identified by its red and blue head, with a body adorned with yellow and black stripes. Unique among its genus, this species lacks scales on its head and body. Males are larger, reaching up to 5 cm, while females are smaller, typically reaching around 22 to 27 mm. This goby is known for its role as a facultative cleaner, feeding on ectoparasites from other fish. It inhabits rocky and coral reefs, often associating with sea urchins, between depths of 1 to 21 meters. The Redhead Goby engages in reproductive behavior where males change coloration before spawning and take part in cleaning the eggs. They produce around 150 eggs per spawn, although not all survive to hatch. The species is known for its monogamous pair bonds, with both sexes participating in cleaning activities. While they can display cheating behavior by consuming scales and mucus, this is rare. Divers encountering the Redhead Goby may find them at cleaning stations on reefs, where they interact with various fish, including potential predators. Despite their small size, they are a popular choice in the aquarium trade due to their bright colors and calm nature. The IUCN lists them as Least Concern.