Introducing our May 2021 Fish of the Month, the Bluebanded Goby (Lythrypnus dalli)!
Survey Regions: The Bluebanded Goby is found throughout REEF's Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP) survey region, where it has been reported in just over 20% of surveys. Click here to see a distribution report for this species throughout the TEP. They are also found in California, part of REEF's US and Canadian Pacific Coast (PAC) region. Click here to see a distribution report for California.
Size: They grow up to about 2.5 inches.
Identifying Features: Bluebanded Gobies have a bright red to orange body with several iridescent blue bands on their face and head.
Fun Facts: These small, brightly colored fish live on rocky reefs throughout the eastern Pacific. They eat tiny crustaceans and often hide near or underneath sea urchins. They can be territorial when defending their mating area from other Bluebanded Gobies.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month!
[Photo by Amy Lee]