Help identifying this hitchhiker goby?

[Srosco02]

This guy appeared in my tank after I collected some macroalgae, had no luck with ID so far. Any ideas are greatly appreciated! He seems to like grated shrimp and clams.

 

[ReQuackulous]

Not sure, but I'm following! any other photos of the pattern?

 

[Srosco02]

Not sure, but I'm following! any other photos of the pattern?

I keep trying to get better pictures, he is very shy and only active at feeding time. I'll post any new pics I get!

 

[Srosco02]

Not sure, but I'm following! any other photos of the pattern?

Dropped another clam to get him out again, disregard the photobombing shrimp.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

This looks like a Mangrove Goby. Where did you pick him up? Don’t let your Salinity go out of control and get too high, this can destroy their Eyesight.

 

[Srosco02]

This looks like a Mangrove Goby. Where did you pick him up? Don’t let your Salinity go out of control and get too high, this can destroy their Eyesight.

Thank you! I got him near Pensacola Florida. Is 1.025 salinity suitable for him or should it be a little lower?

 

[Jib]

What a cool hitchhiker...

 

[mtfish]

I am thinking that is a Frillfin goby, Bathygobius soporator. Should have no problems in your tank. Mangrove gobies of the genus Mugilogobius (there are several mangrove gobies) do not look to be represented in Florida.

 

[Tamberav]

Very cool, looks like he has settled right in

 

[Salemsoul]

I am thinking that is a Frillfin goby, Bathygobius soporator. Should have no problems in your tank. Mangrove gobies of the genus Mugilogobius (there are several mangrove gobies) do not look to be represented in Florida.

I'd put my money on this. Frillin are common in and around the gulf

 

[vetteguy53081]

cryptocentrus goby related to shrimp goby
Nice find !

 

[mtfish]

Watchman gobies (Cryptocentrus) are Indian and Pacific ocean species. This guy was collected in Florida.

 

[Srosco02]

I am thinking that is a Frillfin goby, Bathygobius soporator. Should have no problems in your tank. Mangrove gobies of the genus Mugilogobius (there are several mangrove gobies) do not look to be represented in Florida.

Thank you! What a neat random little fish!

 

[Eagle_Steve]

Almost looks like a crested goby or a frillfin goby. I have a few of each in my 180 and they do look alike to an extent.

I would suggest a google search of both and compare the pics that come up.

 

[Srosco02]

After three months and change the above goby has grown quite large, about 3 inches from his previous size of a half inch or so. After some additional searching I'm thinking he is not a frillfin or crested goby that I could identify. Any further suggestions on ID would be appreciated!

 

[F i s h y]

I'm no help with the id... but thats neat...

 

[Srosco02]

I'm no help with the id... but thats neat...

He's a cool fish, he comes out to visit when anyone comes into the room and glares hungrily at them.

 

[Brit’s Fish]

This is so cool! What a lucky find. Following to see if there’s an ID!

 

[Salty Rambler]

I know you've looked into it, but it does seem to resemble this specific pic of a frillfin goby on the Smithsonian shorefishes webpage --

Shorefishes - Random Images

Fishes of the Greater Caribbean

biogeodb.stri.si.edu

 

[mtfish]

Still think it is a frillfin. Below is from fishbase. Look at its pectoral fins. States 4-5 outer/upper rays free. I think I see this in one of the photos. Maximum size six inches in the wild.

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. Diagnosis: body with 3 broad, oblique, dark cross bars; numerous pale striae along sides, corresponding to the center of each longitudinal scale row; head and pectoral-fin bases with white spots and mottling; predorsal scales extend well anterior to level of preoperculum, and anterior margin of scaled area appears convex in dorsal view (Ref. 57403, 79590). 4-5 outer/upper pectoral-fin rays free (Ref. 57403, 79590), hence its name "Frillfin goby" (Ref. 26938). Body shape is terete, slightly depressed; eyes situated dorso-laterally; reduced swim bladders (Ref. 92840).