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DON’T BELIEVE THE EYES

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The illusionary false eyes on one little fish

Liken to a pair of eyes are the large twin dorsal spots on a pair of Signal Goby (Signigobius biocellatus) also called a crab-eyed goby
Liken to a pair of eyes are the large twin dorsal spots on a pair of Signal Goby (Signigobius biocellatus) also called a crab-eyed goby.

The waters of Wakatobi are home to a diminutive master of visual disinformation. Twin-spot signal gobies are often found sifting about for morsels among the reef’s sandier seabed. A passing glance might not reveal their presence, however, as the pair of distinctive spots they sport on each flank creates the illusion of large eyes, perhaps belonging to a foraging crustacean. Hence this fish's other name: the crab-eyed goby. This optical illusion can confuse a would-be predator in pursuit of a fish dinner.

You can also find more on some of the other creatures that live among the seabed’s sand and rubble regions of the reef around Wakatobi here – Sand Dwellers of Wakatobi.  

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Karen
Karen
1 year ago

Informative and fun, thank you!

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Picture of Walt Stearns
Walt Stearns
Editor for Scuba Diver Magazine's North America edition, Walt Stearns, has been involved in the diving industry for more than 30 years. As one of the most prolific photojournalists in diving media Walt’s articles and images have appeared in a wide range of national and international diving, water sports and travel titles.
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