Pinkbar Goby (Cryptocentrus aurora) is a type of fish found in the western Indian Ocean’s coral reefs, usually at depths between 16 to 131 feet. However, it’s typically not found deeper than 33 feet.
The Pinkbar Goby lives together with the Alpheus randalli shrimp, and shares burrows on reefs that have sandy bottoms.
Pinkbar Goby can grow up to 4.3 inches long and is often seen in aquariums.
It resides in clear coastal or outer reef areas with sand and rubble flats. This fish is considered safe for reef environments.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Pinkbar Goby Interesting Facts
- Pinkbar Goby forms a unique partnership with Alpheus randalli shrimp, sharing burrows in sandy reef bottoms.
- Thriving in tropical conditions, this fish prefers water temperatures between 70°F and 82°F.
- The tail fin of the Pinkbar Goby is yellow with red-eye-like spots, adding to its distinctive appearance.
- With up to 92 scales on its side, this goby’s body depth is around six times smaller than its length.
Pinkbar Goby Habitat
Pinkbar Goby is found in the Western Indian Ocean, from the Maldives to northern Natal, South Africa. It’s also seen in the Andaman Sea.
This marine fish lives around reefs and can be found at depths of 16 to 131 feet (5 to 40 meters), but it usually stays between 16 to 33 feet (5 to 10 meters).
The Pinkbar Goby prefers water temperatures between 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C) and thrives in tropical conditions.
| Water Temperature: | 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Pinkbar Goby Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Pinkbar Goby grows up to 4.3 in (11 cm) long. This fish has 7 dorsal spines, 13 dorsal soft rays, 1 anal spine, and 14 anal soft rays.
Its body is white with five wide brown bands that have blurry edges. There’s a slanted brown band at the back corner of its mouth.
The tail fin is yellow with red spots or streaks that look like eyes. The pelvic fins are mostly separate but connected by a thin membrane at their base.
The gill opening goes about one-third of the way from the back upper edge of the preopercle (a bone near the gills) to the edge of the eye.
Pinkbar Goby has between 66 and 92 scales along its side, and its body depth is about six times smaller than its length.
Pinkbar Goby Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Amblyeleotris |
| Scientific Name: | Cryptocentrus aurora |
| Also Known As: | Pinkbar Goby |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |