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Engineer Goby

Pholidichthys leucotaenia

Engineer Goby

Pholidichthys leucotaenia
Other Common Names
Convict Blenny
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Convict Blenny

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

  • Juveniles are black with white stripes. They look similar to the venomous striped catfish. Thanks to this, predators usually stay away.
  • Engineer gobies undergo a drastic color change as they grow. Adults have an eel-like body shape. Once they reach 49-108 mm their dark stripes break into rows of dark spots. As they continue to grow, the dark spots increase in size, forming irregular spots and bars. The color pattern varies but the dark areas are brown while the lighter areas are whitish, yellowish or pale yellow-green.
  • The maximum total length of the engineer goby is at least 10 cm.

    • Habitat

    Outer reef slopes and coastal reefs at depths of 3-30 m.

    Diet

    Plankton and small crustaceans

    Life History

  • The life history of engineer gobies, including its spawning mode and development, are mostly unknown. It is speculated that adult engineer gobies lay their eggs and raise their young in the tunnels they construct. However, more studies are necessary to fully understand this species.
  • This species’ habitat preferences change as it ages. Swarms of small juveniles live in shallow reefs while larger juveniles are found in rocky areas. Adults live in sandy areas near reefs.

    • IUCN Status

    Least Concern

    Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

    As a secondary consumer, the engineer goby plays a part in moving energy up the food chain by eating other organisms and being prey for those higher up in the food chain. This contributes to the balance of coral reef ecosystems.
    Range
    Distributed from Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia.
    On the Oregon Coast
    Fun Facts
    The engineer goby gets its name from its tendency to burrow and redecorate. They move mouthfuls of sand and gravel from their hiding places and discharge them farther away. By doing this they construct tunnels that provide them with shelter and protection.

    Citations & Other Resources

  • Cabasan, J.P., H. Arceo, J.T. Williams and K.M. Stiefel. 2024. Pholidichthys leucotaenia. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024.
  • Trnski, T., J.M. Leis and P. Wirtz. (1989) Pholidichthyidae. In: Leis, J.M. & Trnski, T. (editors) The larvae of the Indo-Pacific shore fishes. New South Wales University Press.
  • Clark, E., D. R. Nelson, M. J. Stoll, and Y. Kobayashi. 2011. Swarming, diel movements, feeding and cleaning behavior of juvenile venomous eeltail catfishes, Plotosus lineatus and P. japonicus. Aqua (Neu-Isenburg, Germany) 17:211.
  • Springer, V. G., and W. C. Freihofer. 1976. Study of the monotypic fish family Pholidichthyidae (Perciformes). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology:1–43.
  • Taquet, M., and A. Diringer. 2013. Fishes of the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. Quae, Versailles, France.
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    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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