Gobies: Gobioidei

Physical characteristics: Fire gobies reach a length of 3½ inches (9 centimeters). The front of the first dorsal fin is extremely long, almost as long as the fish itself. The second dorsal and the anal fins are long and look like the tail of an arrow. The head has a yellow mask over the snout and eyes. The front half of the fish is white, and the rear half goes from orange to red with green streaks.

Geographic range: Fire gobies live in the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Habitat: Fire gobies live on coral reefs over sand or gravel.

Diet: Fire gobies eat animal plankton.

Behavior and reproduction: Fire gobies hover, alone or in small groups, in the water just above the bottom. They usually have a small territory around a hole, cave, or burrow into which they retreat at the threat of danger. These fish flick their first dorsal spine up and down when threatened or defending territory. Mating occurs in burrows.

Fire gobies and people: Fire gobies are important saltwater aquarium species.

Conservation status: Fire gobies are not threatened or endangered. ∎

Fire gobies usually have a small territory around a hole, cave, or burrow into which they retreat at the threat of danger. (©Fred McConnaughey/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.)