Blacktail goby (Ptereleotris heteroptera)

Scientific name: Ptereleotris heteroptera Bleeker, 1855

The Blacktail goby (Ptereleotris heteroptera) is a marine fish of the family Ptereleotridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–27°C (72–81°F).

Blacktail goby care at a glance

Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 29-33; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 27 - 30; Vertebrae: 26. Light blue to pale bluish gray; upper edge of operculum with a longitudinal iridescent blue band divided into 2 sections. Caudal fin yellowish, some with an orangish streak passing anteriorly from spot; 1st dorsal fin not as high as the 2nd; 2nd dorsal and anal fins not elevated anteriorly; pelvic fins not long; base of pectoral fin usually with a blue-edged salmon-pink spot.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ptereleotris heteroptera
Family: Ptereleotridae (Dartfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 14.0
Depth range: 5–46 m (16–151 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 5 - 46 m, usually 5 - 15 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea and East Africa to the Hawaiian, Line, Marquesan, and Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to Lord Howe Island; Mariana, Caroline, and Marshall Islands in Micronesia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial