Ambanoro Shrimpgoby

Pale color and series of black spots, male with blue stripes along margin of ventral fin (Ref. 30404); characterized further by the following: head and upper side with blue streaks and short vertical lines; low and rounded first dorsal fin; united pelvic fins, well developed frenum present; longitudinal scale series 73-85; head without scales; cycloid scales covering body; greatest depth of body 5.5-6.4 in SL; caudal fin with near truncate posterior margin, about equal to head length (Ref. 90102).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 13

Found on sand or mud bottoms (Ref. 30404). Inhabits coastal bays and lagoons on sandy or muddy substrates to about 30 meters depth (Ref. 48637).

Found on sand or mud bottoms (Ref. 30404). Lives with grey or brown Alpheus spp. (Ref. 30404). Inhabits coastal bays and lagoons on sandy or muddy substrates to about 30 meters depth (Ref. 48637).

aquarium: commercial

Vanderhorstia ambanoro, the Ambanoro prawn-goby or twin-spotted shrimp-goby, is a species of fish native to the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean, where it occurs in lagoons and coastal bays at depths of from 1 to 30 metres (3.3 to 98.4 ft). This species inhabits areas with mud or sand substrates, where it lives in association with Alpheus shrimps. This species can reach a length of 13 centimetres (5.1 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.