Breeder ID: AMBBYN-081594-BLATER-001

Date received: 8/15/97

Identification: Amblygobius bynoensis (Richardson 1844 )

Geographic origin: Indo-pacific

Taxonomy:

(after I.C.Z.N.)

Description: One of three families presently recognized as “Gobies” (Rhyacichthyidae,
Odontobutidae, and Gobiidae). Most have scales, but lack the sensory lateral line on the body
found in most fishes. Representatives first appeared (freshwater) in the fossil record during the
Eocene ~ 30 to 50 million years ago. This species is similar to the more commonly collected A.
albimaculeatus but has less pronounced markings overall and often has a solid horizontal stripe extending
from the snout through the lower half of the eye just posterior of the pectoral fin. Coloration
tends to be white underside with dark markings on light tan. Fins generally lack pigmentation.

Duration male(yr): 2.5

Size male (mm): 127

Duration female(yr): 2.5

Size female (mm): 152

Broodstock notes: Purchased from a “school” of 10. Selected two which stayed together the
most. Both were 50 mm SL.

Physical differences: Male is slightly smaller and darker in color. Female is more dominant

Adult diet: Grazers, detritus. Will also eat pieces of shrimp, clam and frozen meat foods. Fed
every other day

Pre-spawning activity: Male builds nest

Time spawning began: night

Area spawning occurred: Female laid eggs on roof of burrow; male tends eggs.

Frequency of spawning: monthly

Egg description: cluster 76 mm across

Approximate quantity: 500

Size: 1 mm

Egg changes / development: light yellow, darken as they develop. Eyes visible day 3

Incubation period: 3 days

Time hatching occurred: night

Size of hatching larvae: not indicated

Yolk sac present? Yes

Newly hatched appearance: Eyes are dark. Larvae can maneuver on their own

Transfer / removal method: not removed

Spawning tank size (liters): 340

Sides of tank covered? No

Lighting & photo period: 1 – 9 watt Osram (12 hours); 130 watt fluorescent actinic (10 hours;
130 watt fluorescent white (9 hours); 220 watt VHO fluorescent

Filtration: Wet / dry. No bio-material. Live rock

Additives and dosages: 40 Fathoms ASW®, 75 liters changed every 2 weeks. Tap water for
replacement. Vitamin B 350 mg and Vitamin C 500 mg weekly. Liquid Gold® 2 ml / 2 days.
Iodine 1 ml / 2 day. Strontium 2 ml/2 day. Kalkwasser

Water temperature (F): 79

Specific gravity: 1.023

pH: 8.3

Nitrate: none detected

Fry development / changes: larvae not removed from tank. No survivors

Comments: Fish were identified from photographs by John Randall, University of Hawaii

Original description: First described by Richardson in 1844 as Gobius bynoensis, published in
Ichthy. Erebus & Terror v. 2:1, Pl. 1 (figs. 1-2) from specimen(s) collected off the coasts of
Western Australia. Information regarding validation not available.

Word origin: The genus Amblygobius from the Greek roots ambl, -y, meaning blunt; and gobi,
=us, meaning a kind of fish. The species bynoensis is unclear and no word roots are available
utilizing resources presently available to the Breeder’s Registry. The genus Amblygobius may be
in reference to the blunt noses common to this group.

Vernacular name: Spotty head goby

Suggested reading:

Brown, Stanley D., Gobies, 1994, Journal of Maquariculture, Vol 4 Number 1, The Breeder’s Registry.

Thresher, R. E., Reproduction in Reef Fishes,1984, T. F. H. Publications, Neptune City, NJ
07753, USA, ISBN 0-87666-808-2