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Species: Gonodactylus childi

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Click on any image to see an enlargement. All photos © 2005 Roy Caldwell.

Common name: None

Functional type: Smasher

Range: French Polynesia to Marshall Islands and Australia

Habitat: Reef flat

Depth: Low intertidal to 2 m

Home: Cavities in coral rubble, bench

Diet: Generalist; small gastropods, crabs

Size: 8–40 mm

Color: Variable, green, brown, cream, meral spot white

Distinguishing Characters: Black markings on dorsal sixth thoracic and first abdominal segments

Activity: Diurnal; closes cavity at night

Aquarium Requirements:

Temperature: 22–29° C

Salinity: 33–36 PSU

Cohabitants: Larger gastropods, clams, crabs and shrimp

Aquarium size (adult): 10 l

Aquarium substrate: Sand, LR with cavities

Suitability for Aquarium: Good; hardy, but not interactive; rarely leaves cavity

Availability: Rare in shipments from Tahiti and Central Pacific

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External Anatomy and Explanatory Notes