Tetha's dwarfgoby

📖 Overview

This species occupies a very specific microhabitat and depth range, observed and collected exclusively from a very sheltered and coral-rich lagoon (Kwatisore South Bay) with limited water flow and water temperatures that are commonly elevated above that of the surrounding reef areas (usually 30-31° C). Depth range of occurrence is rather narrow (25-30 m depth) and it was not found either deeper or shallower than this, despite extensive searching. It was found resting and moving about on the surfaces of the extensive foliose and plating coral colonies (mostly Pachyseris and Turbinaria spp. colonies) in the lagoon. Found in association with other coral goby species, including E. atriventris, E. fallax, E. lachdeberei, and Trimma emeryi .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7. This species is distinguished by the following characters: cephalic sensory-canal pore pattern lacking only the IT and NA pores and with the AITO pore positioned far forward and opening anteriorly; anterior tubular nares very long; dorsal/anal-fin formula 8/7; unbranched pectoral-fin rays; fifth pelvic-fin ray absent or flexible and rudimentary and less than 10% of the 4th; a black spot at the caudal-fin base; colour in life red-orange with 5 distinctive small white spots along the posterior midline and 2 white lines over the abdomen .: elongated; Cross section: oval.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Tetha's dwarfgoby is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 25 - 30 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Tetha's dwarfgoby.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute