Kabili Bumblebee Goby (Brachygobius kabiliensis)
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| One of several Kabili Bumblebee Gobies found in an isolated mangrove pool during low tide. (Admiralty Park) |
Family: Oxudercidae: Gobionellinae
Species Name: Brachygobius kabiliensis
Common Name(s): Kabili Bumblebee Goby, Mangrove Bumblebee Goby
Common Name(s): Kabili Bumblebee Goby, Mangrove Bumblebee Goby
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Brackish but can also be found in freshwater. Mangrove creeks and pools.
Conservation status: Near Threatened (Red Data Book 3)
Bumblebee Gobies are popular in the aquarium trade due to their small sizes and big personalities, partnered with attractive patterning that give them the name! The Kabili Bumblebee Goby is likely to be the only native Brachygobius species found in Singapore, where they are common throughout the mangrove swamps. It is definitely easier to see them during low tide in pools and creeks, or even the burrows of other animals such as Giant Mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri).
"Easier to see" might be an overstatement from the raised trails and boardwalks of our local mangroves. The Kabili Bumblebee Goby is tiny, growing up to a maximum length of only under 2cm. It looks similar to other Brachygobius but has noticeably more bands and a smaller size. It is observed that the colouration and patterning is variable in intensity. In Singapore, Brachygobius sabanus and B.doriae are considered to be introduced but don't seem to mix with the featured native.
Like its relatives, the Kabili Bumblebee Goby is a predator of small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. They are often seen either sticking to the substrate and other surfaces, or "hovering" in the water column.
References
Habitat: Brackish but can also be found in freshwater. Mangrove creeks and pools.
Conservation status: Near Threatened (Red Data Book 3)
Bumblebee Gobies are popular in the aquarium trade due to their small sizes and big personalities, partnered with attractive patterning that give them the name! The Kabili Bumblebee Goby is likely to be the only native Brachygobius species found in Singapore, where they are common throughout the mangrove swamps. It is definitely easier to see them during low tide in pools and creeks, or even the burrows of other animals such as Giant Mudskippers (Periophthalmodon schlosseri).
"Easier to see" might be an overstatement from the raised trails and boardwalks of our local mangroves. The Kabili Bumblebee Goby is tiny, growing up to a maximum length of only under 2cm. It looks similar to other Brachygobius but has noticeably more bands and a smaller size. It is observed that the colouration and patterning is variable in intensity. In Singapore, Brachygobius sabanus and B.doriae are considered to be introduced but don't seem to mix with the featured native.
Like its relatives, the Kabili Bumblebee Goby is a predator of small invertebrates such as worms and crustaceans. They are often seen either sticking to the substrate and other surfaces, or "hovering" in the water column.
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| Several Kabili Bumblebee Gobies from Pasir Ris showing more solid bands and a brighter yellow! (Photograph by: Lumin Ong Jun Xiang) |
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| A mangrove goby community in the burrow of a Giant Mudskipper. Kabili Bumblebee Gobies make up half the picture! (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve) |
References
- FishBase. Brachygobius kabiliensis (Fowler, 1937) – (Kabili bumblebee goby). Retrieved from https://www.fishbase.se/summary/25067
- Lim, K.K.P. & Low, J.K.Y. 1998. A Guide to Common Marine Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre, 163 pp. ISBN 981-00-9904-5.
- Lim, K. K. P., & Tan, H. H. 2012. Addition of fish species to the established alien fauna of Singapore: Amblypharyngodon chulabhornnae and Brachygobius sabanus. Nature in Singapore 5: 69–72. Retrieved from https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/app/uploads/2017/06/2012nis069-072.pdf
- National Parks Board (NParks). Marine Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/marine-fishes.
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