The Punyit Dwarfgoby, scientifically named Eviota punyit, is a tiny marine fish commonly found in tropical, reef-associated environments. With a maximum length of just 1.8 centimeters (0.71 inches), this small fish is noted for its distinctive caudal fin which features a black spot edged with yellow.
The species inhabits a wide geographical range within the Indo-Pacific region. Its habitat extends from the 🌊 Red Sea and the 🌊 Gulf of Oman across the undefined to the Ryukyu Islands (🇯🇵 Japan) and Raja Ampat, reaching as far as central Oceania and the 🇦🇺 Australian Great Barrier Reef.
The genus name "Eviota" lacks a specific etymology, but biologist Christopher Scharpt has suggested a meaning rooted in Latin, combining "eu," meaning "true," and "iota," meaning "something very small." This reflects the fish's status as one of the smallest vertebrates when it was first described by Jenkins.
Why it's threatened
There are no known major threats.
Threat classification from the IUCN Red List.
