Cryptocentrus melanopus – オイランハゼ

Fisher July 30, 2023

Scientific Name: Cryptocentrus melanopus
English Name: Pink Shrimpgoby
Observed in: Sentosa, Singapore
Observed Water Depth: Less than 5m
Observed Timing: Anytime

Pink color dot on the face and gorgeous fins, it is King of the Cryptocentrus.
Or Queen rather since Japanese name is “Oiran” goby.

It’s observed on a shallow sand together with its friend shrimp.
If you are patient enough, you may observe its jump for a seconds, displaying purpose.
By the way, it was freshy experience for me to see them on a dark colored sand with leaves and pebbles.

名前よろしくド派手なピンクのドットを顔面にあしらったこのハゼは、湾奥の河口域水深5mくらいの砂底に共生エビとともにみられる。
シンガポールにおいても生息環境はおおよそ変わらないが、葉っぱの堆積した暗い色の砂でオイランを見ることは日本ではなかったため、非常に新鮮に思った。
共生エビ（Alpheus rapax -トウゾクテッポウエビ）との共生の様子が写真からも確認できるが、エビは重たそうな小石をかき出さねばならず大変そうである。
また、オイランといえばジャンプシーンであるけれど、素振りすら窺うことはできていない。そのタイミングについて詳しく伺ってみよう。

This goby, adorned with flashy pink dots on its face, can be found in the sandy bottom, about 5 meters deep in the estuarine area of the bay, together with commensal shrimps.
Though its habitat in Singapore is generally similar, in the dark-colored sandy sediment with leaves accumulated was something I had not experienced in Japan.
The symbiotic relationship with the shrimp, Alpheus rapax can also be observed. It seems like the shrimp has a more challenging task of digging out seemingly heavy pebbles.
Moreover, the goby is known for its jumping behavior, but I haven’t even caught a glimpse of it attempting a leap in Singapore.

Side Story Photography