Spinecheek goby (Oplopomus oplopomus)

Scientific name: Oplopomus oplopomus Valenciennes, 1837

The Spinecheek goby (Oplopomus oplopomus) is a marine fish of the family Gobiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–29°C (72–84°F). Native range: Indo-Pacific, East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands.

Spinecheek goby care at a glance

Temperature: 22–29°C (72–84°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10. Males with more intense blue spots on the head and more colorful markings on fins than females; subadults lack the blue and yellow spotting but have more black spots.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Oplopomus oplopomus
Family: Gobiidae (Gobies)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Depth range: 1–30 m (3–98 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 30 m, usually 1 - 20 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)