VU

Lythrypnus gilberti

Local name: Galápagos Blue-banded Goby

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Galapagos Blue-banded Goby faces mounting pressure from marine pollution, particularly plastic debris and chemical runoff that degrades its shallow reef habitats. Climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification threaten the coral and rocky reef ecosystems this endemic species depends upon. Invasive marine species and increased boat traffic from growing tourism in the Galapagos archipelago further stress its limited coastal habitat range.

Threat summary

Habitat

This endemic goby inhabits shallow rocky reefs, coral formations, and tide pools throughout the Galapagos Islands, typically found at depths of 1-15 meters. The species shows strong preference for areas with complex reef structure that provide shelter and abundant small invertebrate prey.

MARINE· major

Other threatened species in Gobiidae

VU

Cable's Goby

Eleotrica cableae

Unknown
VU

Shortjaw mudsucker

Gillichthys seta

Unknown
VU

Pretty Goby

Chriolepis lepidota

Unknown
VU

White-starred Goby

Chriolepis dialepta

Unknown

Threatened in Ecuador

EN

Puya fastuosa

Unknown
VU

Diospyros esmereg

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Baird's Tapir

Tapirus bairdii

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Galápagos Blue-banded Goby classified as Vulnerable?
Galápagos Blue-banded Goby is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Galapagos Blue-banded Goby faces mounting pressure from marine pollution, particularly plastic debris and chemical runoff that degrades its shallow reef habitats. Climate change-induced ocean warming and acidification threaten the coral and rocky reef ecosystems this endemic species depends upon. Invasive marine species and increased boat traffic from growing tourism in the Galapagos archipelago further stress its limited coastal habitat range.
Where does Galápagos Blue-banded Goby live?
Galápagos Blue-banded Goby occurs in Ecuador, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Galápagos Blue-banded Goby?
The main threats to Galápagos Blue-banded Goby are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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