Sicyopterus longifilis, also known as the Threadfin Goby, is a captivating freshwater fish found in the rocky streams of New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Futuna. Let’s explore some fascinating details about this unique goby:
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Appearance:
- The Threadfin Goby gets its name from its elongated dorsal fin, which resembles a thread.
- It features a distinctive color pattern:
- Upper lip with no median cleft but with a lateral cleft on each side.
- Minutely serrated margin of the upper lip between lateral clefts.
- No tubercle behind the median cleft.
- Feeble papillae on the ridge beneath the upper lip.
- Tricuspid premaxillary teeth.
- Long and filamentous first dorsal-fin spines in males.
- In males, the posterior tip of the first dorsal fin often exceeds the base of the last soft ray of the second dorsal fin.
- Females have somewhat elongated second to fourth spines in the first dorsal fin.
- Caudal fin with 17-18 (usually 17) segmented rays, including 15-16 branched rays.
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Habitat and Behavior:
- Threadfin Gobies thrive in coastal streams with moderate to fast flow.
- They are usually found in small, clear creeks, often within rainforests and approximately 50 km from the sea.
- Their unique appearance and behavior make them a very sought after addition in the hobby.
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Size: The gobies reach a maximum of 9.7cm total length
In summary, the Threadfin Goby’s elongated dorsal fin and captivating behavior make it a delightful choice for aquarists.