Fish
Yellow Clown Goby
Gobiodon okinawae · also called yellow coral goby
Perched among the branches of a living coral colony, a pair of yellow clown gobies sit bright and unafraid, shielded from predators by a coating of toxic mucus on their skin.
Overview
The yellow clown goby, Gobiodon okinawae, is native to ocean and coastal coral reef habitat across the western Pacific. Its tiny size, toxic protective mucus, and life spent entirely among branching coral make it one of the most specialised small gobies found on Pacific reefs.
Safe in a coral home
The yellow clown goby spends its life among coral branches, using the coral for shelter and its toxic skin for defence, a pairing that leaves it closely dependent on the health of its reef.
Status
Least Concern, locally common on suitable branching coral habitat across the western Pacific, though dependent on healthy coral.
Yellow Clown Goby: common questions
Why is it called the yellow clown goby?
Its bright yellow colouring and small, perky appearance inspired the name, though it is not related to clownfish.
How does the yellow clown goby avoid being eaten?
It coats its skin in a toxic mucus that makes it unpalatable to many predators, and it lives tucked among the branches of living coral.
Does the yellow clown goby live alone?
It is usually found as a pair living together on a single coral colony.
Where is the yellow clown goby found?
It is native to ocean and coastal coral reef habitat across the western Pacific.