Immaculate Glidergoby, Valenciennea immaculata (Ni, 1981)

Scientific name: Valenciennea immaculata
Alternative name/s:
Immaculate Glider Goby, Immaculate Goby, Kuiter's Goby, Red-lined Sleeper-goby
Immaculate Glidergoby Click to enlarge image
An Immaculate Glidergoby at a depth of 5 m, Fairy bower, Manly, Sydney, New South Wales, Image: John Sear
© John Sear

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Valenciennea
    Species
    immaculata
    Family
    Gobiidae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 12cm in length.

Introduction

The Immaculate Glidergoby occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Pacific. When disturbed the species backs tail-first into a hole in the sand.

Identification

The Immaculate Glidergoby can be recognised by its colouration. It is pale with two blue-edged reddish-orange lines on the head and body. It has a pointed caudal fin.

Distribution

The species occurs in tropical marine waters of the Western Pacific. In Australia it is known from the central coast of Western Australia to the Northern Territory and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland to the central New South Wales coast.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

Other behaviours and adaptations

When disturbed the Immaculate Glidergoby backs tail-first into a hole in the sand.

References

  1. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.
  2. Hutchins, B. & R. Swainston. 1986. Sea Fishes of Southern Australia. Complete Field Guide for Anglers and Divers. Swainston Publishing. Pp. 180.
  3. Kuiter, R.H. 2000. Coastal Fishes of South-eastern Australia. Gary Allen. Pp. 437. (as Valenciennea sp)
  4. Kuiter, R.H. & T. Tonozuka. 2001. Indonesian Reef Fishes. Zoonetics. Pp.893.
  5. Randall, J.E., Allen, G.R. & R.C. Steene. 1997. Fishes of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Crawford House Press. Pp. 557.