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Lewis' pygmy goby (Rotuma lewisi) — Xenisthmidae

Lewis' pygmy goby

Rotuma lewisi
Family: Xenisthmidae

The Lewis' pygmy goby (Rotuma lewisi) is a saltwater fish of the family Xenisthmidae that grows up to 2 cm.

Length
2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–11.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

Lewis' pygmy goby is a tiny goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to only about 2 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent body with fine markings and fused pelvic fins forming a small sucker. As a cryptic bottom-dweller it sits among coral rubble, stones and gravel and snaps at minute zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lewis' pygmy goby?

The Lewis' pygmy goby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Lewis' pygmy goby live?

The Lewis' pygmy goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Lewis' pygmy goby get?

The Lewis' pygmy goby grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.

Is the Lewis' pygmy goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Lewis' pygmy goby is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lewis' dwerggrondel sourced
English name
Lewis' pygmy goby sourced
Scientific name
Rotuma lewisi
Family
Xenisthmidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
11.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Xenisthmidae

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