Steinhard’s Shrimpgoby

Steinhard’s Shrimpgoby, scientifically known as Cryptocentrus steinhardi, is a tropical demersal fish recently identified and collected from the Mediterranean Sea, specifically off the southern coast of 🇮🇱 Israel, at depths between 60 and 80 meters (196 to 262 feet). This new species reaches a maximum length of 8.2 centimeters (approximately 3.2 inches) and belongs to the diverse group of shrimp-gobies.

This goby species is characterized by distinct features, such as 59 to 61 rows of cycloid scales along its body and 20 to 21 predorsal scales that extend roughly three-quarters of the way to its eye. The fish has 19 to 21 transverse scale rows and scales that cover the abdomen and prepelvic region, but not the pectoral-fin base. Its dorsal fin configuration includes six spines and 11 segmented rays in the second dorsal fin, while its anal fin consists of one spine and 9 to 10 segmented rays. The pectoral fin contains 15 rays, and the pelvic fins are completely united with a well-developed fraenum. The caudal fin features 17 segmented rays, of which 13 are branched. Additionally, the first gill arch has 10 to 11 gill rakers, with distinctive short posterior rakers, and the head exhibits a transverse pattern of sensory papillae.

Steinhard’s Shrimpgoby likely forms symbiotic relationships with burrowing shrimp, where the goby serves as a lookout while the shrimp maintains the burrow, a common behavior among shrimp-gobies. The species was identified as new due to its unique DNA barcoding signature, which distinguishes it from other goby species. Morphological analysis also confirmed its differentiation within the Cryptocentrus genus. The discovery of this species marks the third record of an invasive shrimp goby in the Mediterranean region, raising ecological questions about the establishment of fish-shrimp symbioses in these new environments. Current phylogenetic studies indicate the need to reassess the Cryptocentrus genus using both morphological and genetic data.

Cryptocentrus steinhardti (Actinopterygii; Gobiidae): a new species of shrimp-goby, and a new invasive to the Mediterranean Sea