Marine Life

Weeping sand goby

Veli funna

Gnatholepis anjerensis

Gnatholepis anjerensis is very common in the Maldives, but is easily overlooked due to its small size and cryptic colouration. However, there is considerable confusion over the correct name of this species and its true distribution, as the genus Gnatholepsis is in need of revision.

Details

§ 01

size: Max. 8 cm
color: A prominent black bar extending down from eyes.
order: Perciformes
family: Gobiidae
image url: https://assets.explore.mv/fishes/gnatholepis-anjerensis.png
habitat and biology: Commonly found in shallow waters to depths of 25 meters, they are often seen perched on sandy substrates near the base of coral outcroppings.
distinctive characters: The first dorsal fin has six spines, the second dorsal fin has one spine and eleven rays, the anal fin has one spine and eleven rays, and the pectoral fin has fifteen to seventeen rays. The mouth is horizontal and the interior is not projecting, the snout is blunt, and the cheek has large scales.