A newly discovered species of bright red fish may fill a Grumpy Cat-sized hole in the internet’s heart. Sueviota Aetonbut is commonly called by its name Grumpy Dwarf GobyThe creature, which appears to be in a constant state of discontent, was discovered by a team of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the University of Washington. The study was published in the journal Neurology on September 12th. Zookie.
The cantankerous dwarf goby is less than an inch long but boasts an intimidating demeanor. Farasan Bank, Red Sea, off the coast of Saudi Arabia.
[Related: Fish in Earth’s hottest water defy the odds.]
“In its own little world, it sees itself as a fearsome predator,” says Lucia Pombo Ayora, an ecologist at King Abdullah University and co-author of the study that named the species. It said in a statement“His grumpy expression and large canines certainly make him look perfect for the role, despite his small size.”
They can be found along reef walls and overhangs, and their vibrant red color actually helps them blend in with their natural coral-filled habitat. Red coralline algaeThe fish lives in small holes and crevices in coral reefs, using its large canines to catch and eat tiny invertebrates. The team says the pygmy goby appears to be a relatively rare species, which may be why it has remained undiscovered until now.
Study co-author and ecologist Victor Nunes-Peineman first spotted the fish during a diving expedition to survey the diversity of fish species living on the region’s coral reefs. They are the fiery dwarf goby (Sueviota Pilios)This similar fish is only known from a single specimen collected in 1972. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that an entirely new, undescribed species had been discovered.
“The continued discovery of distinctive new species like this grumpy dwarf goby shows how much biodiversity remains to be discovered in the Red Sea,” says Nunes-Peineman. It said in a statement“This is alarming given recent environmental changes in the region. In some cases, species may become extinct before we can describe them.”
[Related: Mass extinction 183 million years ago offers dire warning for modern oceans.]
This region is Endemic species These are fish species that live only in very specific regions, such as the Red Sea clownfish and the Picasso triggerfish. Of the approximately 2,100 fish species that live in the Red Sea, one0-15% are found nowhere else on EarthThe finicky dwarf goby has also joined this unique group.
Many There’s a lot of turmoil in the Red Sea Climate change is causing widespread coral bleaching and death. According to the teamHowever, new species are still being discovered in a rapidly changing environment, highlighting the urgency of further research and conservation efforts in the region.
