Cairo, Egypt: A remarkable new species of fish has been identified in the Red Sea, whimsically named the ‘grumpy fish’ for its unusual facial structure. Scientifically known as ‘Sueviota aethon’, nicknamed the ‘grumpy dwarfgoby’ by researchers, discovered it inhabiting small holes and crevices among coral reefs in the Red Sea.
The team of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the University of Washington introduced the grumpy dwarfgoby to the world through a study published in Pensoft’s ‘ZooKeys’ journal.
The first of these fish was discovered in the Farasan Banks in Saudi Arabia, with more specimens later located near Thuwal along the Red Sea. Researcher Viktor Nunes Peinemann was the one who initially found them during a diving expedition aimed at exploring the diversity of coral reef fish.
The research found that, Sueviota aethon features a frown-like expression, making it appear perpetually disgruntled. This small goby is characterized by its vibrant coloration and intricate patterns, which help it blend into its coral reef habitat.
The researchers said that, “the name refers to the fish’s apparent grumpy and rather unhappy appearance, primarily due to the extremely upturned mouth position.”
The “dwarf” in its name highlights its size, which is under 2 cm, while “goby” denotes its classification within the Gobiidae family, which includes approximately 2,000 species of bony fish.
The fish thrives in shallow waters, typically residing among rocks and coral, where it feeds on small invertebrates. Its unique adaptations allow it to navigate and survive in a competitive environment, contributing to the balance of the reef ecosystem.
Lucía Pombo-Ayora a PhD student at KAUST, who gave the species its name, said that, “I imagine in its own tiny world, it is a fearsome predator, its grumpy expression and large canines certainly make it look the part, despite its small size.”
The discovery of the grumpy fish serves as a reminder of the untapped potential for marine research in the Red Sea and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique species.