GOBIES
GOBIIDAE
Sand Canyon Goby
Coryphopterus  venezulae
    Ecological Descriptors
Habitat Size (cm) Diet Behaviour Sex 
S, R 8 Cru, Wor I PGH
 
 
Notes:
Three very similar looking Sand Gobies ("Bridled Goby Complex") have fairly recently been split into 3 different species (hence some books and web resources are out of date on this issue), with small differences seen in external markings and some habitat differences, though the latter can overlap and are not rigidly set in stone. The 3 species are now:
Bridled Goby: Coryphopterus glaucofraenum
Sand Canyon Goby: C. boi
Patch Reef Goby: C. tortugae

See comparative table and images of various Sand Gobies (Coryphopterus spp) HERE

Description
:
Usually
2 spots at base of tail (can be joined as a "dumbell"). Dark to yellowish spot at base of pectoral fin. A row of ~4-5 white spots behind eye, the second one NOT being elevated. White "bridle" from rear of mouth to edge of gill cover with darkish band above the anterior. Pale to translucent body (depending upon background).   White spots/ speckles on body. Dark lines, not spots, on nape.

Ecology
Throughout most of its range in the Caribbean, it is found deeper than Bridled or Patch Reef Gobies, from 10-30m (30-100 ft). But in Antigua (like Dominica) it is commonly found in very shallow water. Found in sandy areas near rocks and reefs. Feeds on invertebrates.

Life Cycle:
Oviparous, demersal spawner. Species of this genus are sequential protogynous hermaphodites, maturing as females and later changing sex to male. Both male and female spawn with many individuals in small contiguous territories.

Sand Canyon Goby
* Part of the "Bridled Goby Complex" which can be somewhat difficult to differentiate at times
563
564
Sand Canyon Goby
Formerly:
C. bol