Bryaninops tigris (Black coral goby)

Identification

Bryaninops tigris is a small, elongated coral goby with a red to dark brown stripe, which is sometimes interrupted by white markings. It is only found on branches of black coral (Antipathes). They are often seen in small groups.

Status

Unassessed by the IUCN Red list, but a relatively common species of coral goby.

Habitat

Bryaninops tigris can be found in the Indo-Pacific, from Oman and Chagos archipelago to the Hawaiian islands, Micronesia and Australia. Also recently reported from the Red Sea. They Inhabit black corals on deep slopes with strong currents, in a depth range of 15-53 meters.  Dart out to feed on small animals of the plankton

Reproduction

Oviparous breeding. Eggs are laid on black coral branches section after removing the polyps, and guarded by the male.

Size

Up to 5,5 cm.

Prey / Predation

Black coral gobies feed on zooplankton. They quickly lunge forward to surprise and swallow their prey.

Special features

Bryaninops tigris has similar physical characteristics compared to other species of coral gobies. You can also browse our other species of Pleurosicya en Bryaninops gobies here, to compare habitats and physical features.