Ginsburgellus novemlineatus (Fowler 1950)

Analogues: (solitary post-anal-fin spot)

Diagnosis: Fused pelvic fins and modal fin-ray counts of D-VII,11-12 A-10 and Pect-15-17 overlaps many species of the numerous Gobiosoma/Elacatinus group and matches quite a few: Ginsburgellus novemlineatus, Risor ruber , Tigrigobius gemmatus and Tigrigobius saucrus, as well as Gobiosoma spes, G. hildebrandi (Panama), G. schultzi (Venezuela), and G. yucatanum (Yucatan to Honduras). The pre-transitional larvae of all of these gobies are likely similar, but some species can be distinguished at transition: both G. hildebrandi and T. gemmatus should have distinct spiny basicaudal scales; Risor ruber have a row of distinctive spiny scales on the ventral midline of the caudal peduncle and long pelvic fins. Larval Ginsburgellus novemlineatus should have no basicaudal scales and may have a small pelvic fin cup.

it has a blackish body with blue lines and red eyes,it has small flippers and fins that are black in color.

Distinguished by having the following characteristics: dark brown body with nine, bright blue, thin, vertical lines; presence of rostral frenum (Ref. 92840).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analspines: 0; Analsoft rays: 10

Feeds on the appendages of its host urchin (Ref. 33548)

Inhabits shallow areas with clear water and coral formations (Ref. 13628), often in close association with the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. Possesses a ventral sucking disk which allows it to adhere to the rock beneath the test of an urchin with only the head showing among the spines of urchins. When disturbed they retreat farther beneath the urchin, and if the urchin is removed it rapidly darts beneath the test of a neighboring one. Feeds mainly on the tube feet of sea urchins (Ref. 33548)..

aquarium: commercial

Ginsburgellus novemlineatus, the Nineline goby, is a species of goby native to tropical reefs of the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is frequently found associated with the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter, living underneath the urchin. This species grows to a length of 2.5 centimetres (0.98 in) TL. This species can also be found in the aquarium trade. This species is the only known member of its genus, the name of which honours the ichthyologist Isaac Ginsburg (1886-1975) of the U.S. National Museum who had an interest in gobies.