Vanderhorstia opercularis Randall, 2007
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  5.05 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 27 - 40 m
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 12-12. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I,12; A I,12; pectoral rays 18-20; scales in longitudinal series on body 40; scales ctenoid posteriorly, cycloid anteriorly; head or prepectoral area without scales, those posteriorly on nape embedded and difficult to count; body depth 4.85-5.5 in SL; third dorsal spine of male filamentous, 2.35-2.95 in SL; caudal fin pointed and long, 1.95 in SL (in paratype; appears to have been injured and regenerating in holotype); paired fins extending beyond origin of anal fin; body with four dusky bars, each with a large darker spot; an oblique blackish bar from nape across posterior head containing a black spot on opercle; numerous small pale spots (orange-yellow in life) on head, body, and fins except pectorals (Ref. 59177).
Biology:  Associated with alpheid shrimps, sharing the same burrow maintained by the shrimp (generally as a pair) and guarded by the goby (Ref. 59177).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans: 
Country info:   
 


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