Puntang Goby

Exyrias puntang

The Puntang Goby is a small reef-associated fish found in the Western Pacific, from the Andaman Islands to Vanuatu, extending north to Japan and south to New Caledonia. It inhabits shallow marine and brackish environments, including muddy bottoms, coastal inlets, estuaries, mangroves, and silty lagoons. Divers may encounter this species at depths ranging from the surface to 5 meters, although it is most commonly found in waters shallower than 10 meters. This goby can be identified by its brown coloration, which is darker on the dorsal side, and the presence of dusky spots on its pectoral fins. The pelvic fins are blackish, and it features elongated spines on the first dorsal fin. The Puntang Goby has a fusiform body shape with a rounded caudal fin and is covered in ctenoid scales, except for cycloid scales on the nape and isthmus. It differs from similar species like E. belissimus by having fewer predorsal scales and slightly different coloration details. The Puntang Goby is typically solitary or found in small groups. It is harmless to humans and has commercial value in fisheries and aquariums. According to the IUCN Red List, it is categorized as Least Concern.