Vanderhorstia
Vanderhorstia is a genus of fish in the family Gobiidae, commonly known as dwarfgoby or pygmy gobies. These small, slender fishes are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, inhabiting a variety of marine habitats, particularly coral reefs and rocky shores.
Characteristics
Members of the genus Vanderhorstia share several distinctive characteristics:
- Small size: They are typically less than 5 cm in length.
- Slender body: Their bodies are elongated and compressed laterally.
- Large eyes: Their eyes are relatively large and prominent.
- Fused pelvic fins: Their pelvic fins are fused together to form a suction disc, which they use to attach to surfaces.
- Varied coloration: They exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, often with stripes, spots, or blotches.
Environment
Vanderhorstia species are primarily found in shallow coastal waters, typically within a depth range of 1-20 meters. They are commonly associated with coral reefs, rocky shores, seagrass beds, and mangroves. They are generally solitary fish, preferring to live in crevices or under rocks.
Diet
Vanderhorstia species are carnivorous and feed primarily on small invertebrates such as crustaceans, polychaetes, and mollusks. They use their keen eyesight and quick reflexes to hunt prey.
Reproduction
Vanderhorstia species are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The males typically guard the eggs until they hatch.
References
For more information about Vanderhorstia, you can refer to the following reliable sources: