Valenciennea Strigata Fish

Valenciennea Strigata Fish is a species of fish in the family Gobiidae, the gobies. Its common names include the blueband goby, golden-head sleeper goby, and pennant glider. It is native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean where it can be found in outer lagoons and the seaward side of reefs.

Physical Description of Fish

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 17-19; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 16 – 19. Characterized by pale grey body color; yellowish head; bluish curved bar from below eye to opercle ; thin bluish white bar on pectoral fin base; second to fourth dorsal spines prolonged as filaments in fish larger than about 4.5 cm; rounded caudal fin, longer than head; ; ctenoid body scales, becoming cycloid anteriorly below first dorsal fin; head or midline of nape without scales; side of nape with scales extending forward to above or slightly before middle of opercle; fully scaled pectoral fin base and prepelvic area in adult; depth of body 4.5-5.1 in SL.

Biology

Common in clear outer lagoon and seaward reefs, over hard bottoms as well as over sand and rubble. Typical along reef-crests in depths of 1-6 m, but has also been collected from depths of 24 m. Usually seen in pairs, hovering near their burrow. Monogamous. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates, fishes, and fish eggs by sifting mouthfuls of sand.

Life cycle and mating behavior

Distinct pairing, Females spawn every 13 days while males guard the eggs which are laid in a burrow for 2-3 days . Both sexes impose monogamy as a practise by guarding each other against other possible mates. Mate guarding is made possible because all males were able to hold a nest site, both sexes exhibit strong site fidelity, and residents have an advantage in contests over mates. Monogamous mating is observed as both obligate and social