Goldspot Goby
Gnatholepis thompsoni
Goldspot Goby (Gnatholepis thompsoni) is a small reef-associated goby of tropical Indo-Pacific waters. It lives close to sand and rubble around coral reefs, where it picks tiny prey from the bottom and water column.
Identification points
- Small goby with a pale body covered in dark speckling
- Distinct yellow-gold spot on the flank, usually near the rear half of the body
- Low, bottom-hugging shape with two separate dorsal fins typical of gobies
Habitat
Shallow tropical marine reefs, reef flats, and sandy or rubble bottoms near coral heads and seagrass edges, usually in very shallow water and often close to shelter.
Bait notes
Rarely targeted as a gamefish; when caught by anglers it will take very small bits of shrimp, clam, squid, or worm on ultra-light tackle. Tiny soft plastics and microjigs can also draw strikes.
Behavior
A tiny benthic feeder that forages on small crustaceans and other microfauna. It is usually sedentary, quick to dart into cover, and may hover just above the substrate while feeding.
Caution
No notable species-specific human safety concerns; it is a small marine goby and not a common food fish.
Fishing notes
Use the lightest possible line, a small hook, and short casts around shallow reef sand patches and rubble. Fish it slowly on the bottom or just above structure; it is more likely to be incidentally caught than deliberately pursued.