Onespot Wormfish

Gunnellichthys monostigma

The Onespot Wormfish, a member of the goby family, is recognized for its elongated body, which can reach up to 15 cm in length. It is distinguished by its dorsal fin, which has 21 to 22 spines and 39 to 42 soft rays, while its anal fin lacks spines and has 38 to 43 soft rays. This species is typically found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Marquesan and Society Islands, extending north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Onespot Wormfish inhabit coastal sand slopes and are often found in open sandy areas with sparse plant growth. They prefer depths between 6 and 20 meters, although they can be found as shallow as 1 meter. These fish are solitary creatures and are adapted to environments with strong currents. Their diet consists mainly of small benthic and pelagic crustaceans, which they hunt in their sandy habitats. Divers encountering the Onespot Wormfish may find them over sandy bottoms, where they blend in with their surroundings. They are harmless to humans and are not a target for fisheries, though they are occasionally collected for the aquarium trade. The IUCN lists the Onespot Wormfish as Least Concern.