Barrel-Sponge Goby

Pleurosicya labiata

The Barrel-sponge Goby is a small reef fish known for its semi-transparent body adorned with fine dark speckling. It features a distinctive brown stripe on the side of its snout and internal brown, dash-like markings with white or yellow pigment along the dorsal edge of its vertebral column. Typically reaching a maximum length of 3.5 cm, this elongated fish has a scaled head and nape, and its gill opening is restricted to the base of the pectoral fin. Inhabiting the Indo-West Pacific region, the Barrel-sponge Goby is found from Malaysia to the Philippines, extending north to Japan and south to Australia. It prefers coastal slopes and is commonly seen on barrel sponges at depths ranging from 17 to 35 meters. Divers often encounter these gobies in groups during dives. The conservation status of the Barrel-sponge Goby is classified as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List.