Pepperminteye Dwarfgoby

The Peppermint-eye Dwarf Goby (Eviota oculopiperita) is a tiny tropical marine fish found in reef environments of the 🌊 Western Indian Ocean, notably within the 🌊 Red Sea. It inhabits depths ranging from 2 to 10 meters (approximately 6.5 to 33 feet). This species reaches a maximum length of about 1.2 centimeters (roughly 0.5 inches) and weighs approximately 0.05 grams (0.0018 ounces).

One of its most striking features is its white eyes, which have radiating red bars—a distinguishing characteristic of this goby. In terms of its dorsal fin anatomy, it has a total of 7 spines and 8 soft rays, while its anal fin is composed of 1 spine and 8 soft rays. The goby’s cephalic sensory-pore system is categorized as pattern IV, excluding specific pores, with an enlarged AITO (Anterior Interorbital Pore). All the rays in its pectoral fins are unbranched, and its fourth pelvic-fin ray has nine branches. Unlike some other species, it lacks a black spot on the base of its caudal fin and does not bear linear dark or bright yellow midlateral stripes on its body.

The Peppermint-eye Dwarf Goby is commonly found in sandy slopes, coral patches, and lagoons, making these environments its preferred habitats.