Amblygobius semicinctus (Bennett, 1833)

Scientific Naming and Size

The Halfbarred goby, scientifically named Amblygobius semicinctus, is a small fish that reaches a maximum total length of 11 centimetres (4.3 inches).

Base Body Color and Head Pattern

Its base body color is greenish brown, with a complex pattern of red-brown longitudinal lines running along the body and spots on the head.

Eye Striping Pattern

A dark line starts at the snout, passes through the eye, and blends into the other longitudinal lines toward the rear of the body.

Body Barring and Ocelli Markings

The body also has 4 to 6 vertical black bars, plus a dark ocellus on both the first dorsal fin and the operculum.

Caudal Fin Marking

There is an additional dark spot on the upper section of the caudal fin.

Species Distribution Range

This species is found in the western Indian Ocean, ranging from the Maldives to the eastern African coast.

Habitat Preference

It prefers sandy bottoms in shallow, protected lagoons and bays.

Burrow Dwelling Behavior

It typically lives in pairs inside a burrow dug under a rock or fragment of coral.