The 🌊 Red Sea Dwarfgoby (Eviota marerubrum) is a small tropical marine fish found in the coral reefs of the 🌊 Western Indian Ocean, specifically ranging from the Gulf of Aqaba to 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia. This tiny fish inhabits reef areas at depths of 9 to 27 meters (approximately 30 to 90 feet).
With a maximum length of about 1.7 centimeters (0.67 inches) and weighing up to 0.06 grams (0.002 ounces), the 🌊 Red Sea Dwarfgoby is a very diminutive species. Despite its small size, it exhibits distinct coloration and patterns. Notably, there are two dark spots at the base of the caudal fin. It also features a small dark circular spot near the tail connected to a narrow dark line at the end of the body. Freshly deceased specimens display 5-6 dark vertical bars on the caudal fin, while the eye is marked by two unique white horizontal stripes.
The body depth of this goby is about 20-25% of its standard length, and its pectoral fins usually have 15 unbranched rays. The dorsal fin consists of 7 spines and 8 soft rays, while the anal fin has 1 spine and 7 soft rays. The fish lacks the IT pore in its sensory-canal pore pattern, and the AITO pore is small and opens dorsally. Additionally, the fifth pelvic-fin ray ranges from 8-15% the length of the fourth ray. These physical features and its striking coloration make the 🌊 Red Sea Dwarfgoby a unique, albeit tiny, inhabitant of its reef ecosystem.
Why it's threatened
Coral reef degradation may impact this species on a local level.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
