Vanderhorstia belloides Randall, 2007
Bella shrimpgoby
Vanderhorstia belloides
photo by Allen, G.R.

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  4.77 cm SL (male/unsexed); 4.05 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; marine; depth range 12 - 25 m
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Papua New Guinea.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 17-17. This species is distinguished by the following characters: D VI-I, 16; A I, 17; pectoral rays 18; scales in longitudinal series 66-68; scales on head, nape, or prepectoral area absent; body elongate, depth 6.6 in SL; dorsal spines progressively longer to sixth, 3.95 in SL; caudal fin pointed and moderately long, 3.0 in SL; pectoral fins reaching to above anus, 3.8 in SL; pelvic fins not reaching anus, 4.65 in SL (Ref. 75899); characterized further by pale grey body color; breast and abdomen white; anterior body below first dorsal fin with relatively large oval yellow spots, smaller and denser yellow spots posteriorly on side; cheek and operculum with orange spots; yellow bands/ spots on dorsal fin; broad dusky stripe across middle of anal fin; bluish streaks on caudal fin; plain whitish pelvic fins; united pelvic fins, presence of well developed frenum; cycloid scales covering body anteriorly, ctenoid posteriorly (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Found in sand-rubble bottoms in 12-25 m (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 14 November 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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