Dr. David Greenfield, Hawaii
Info
A single specimen of a new species of goby in the genus Vanderhorstia was collected from a fine sandy bottom on Vanua Balavu Island in the Bay of Islands in the northern Lau Group of Fiji.
The species differs from all other described species of the genus except V. mertensi in having 17 dorsal and 18 anal fin rays.
It differs from V. mertensi by having about 77 versus 52-62 longitudinal scales and by lacking a row of black spots along the entire length of the median side.
Vanderhorstia bella has strong lavender coloration on the head and body and many bright yellow spots.
During a survey of fishes in Fiji, we collected a single specimen of a spectacularly colored new goby of the genus Vanderhorstia.
The specimen collected from a fine, silty sandy bottom at 8.3 m depth near Vanua Balavu Island in the Bay of Islands in the northern Lau Group of Fiji.
Naming:
From the Latin "bellus", an adjective meaning beautiful, referring to the striking coloration of the species.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
The species differs from all other described species of the genus except V. mertensi in having 17 dorsal and 18 anal fin rays.
It differs from V. mertensi by having about 77 versus 52-62 longitudinal scales and by lacking a row of black spots along the entire length of the median side.
Vanderhorstia bella has strong lavender coloration on the head and body and many bright yellow spots.
During a survey of fishes in Fiji, we collected a single specimen of a spectacularly colored new goby of the genus Vanderhorstia.
The specimen collected from a fine, silty sandy bottom at 8.3 m depth near Vanua Balavu Island in the Bay of Islands in the northern Lau Group of Fiji.
Naming:
From the Latin "bellus", an adjective meaning beautiful, referring to the striking coloration of the species.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
