Stiphodon martenstyni
Overview
Stiphodon martenstyni, the Martenstyn's stiphodon or Martenstyn's goby, is a species of amphidromous freshwater goby endemic to the southwestern portion of Sri Lanka. The males of this species can reach a length of 3.4 centimetres (1.3 in) SL.
Stiphodon martenstyni faces severe threats from habitat degradation in its extremely limited range in the Philippines. Stream pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has compromised water quality in the freshwater systems this goby depends on. Dam construction and water extraction for human use have altered natural flow patterns, while sedimentation from deforestation upstream has degraded the clean, rocky substrates essential for feeding and reproduction.
Habitat
This freshwater goby inhabits clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers with rocky substrates in the Philippines. It requires well-oxygenated waters with stable flow patterns and minimal sedimentation for optimal survival and reproduction.
