Ornate Shrimpgoby
Vanderhorstia ornatissima
One of the many fascinating species of shrimpgoby known from shallow tropical and sub-tropical waters of Western Australia. Shrimpgobies live in a fascinating, mutually beneficial partnership with snapping shrimps of the family Alpheidae. The shrimp builds and maintains the burrow that is occupied by the unlikely 'housemates' whilst the shrimpgoby acts as a look-out, with both animals retreating into the burrow when faced with potential danger from predators or the like. The ornate shrimpgoby has a striking pattern of yellowish-orange markings outlined in iridesecent blue on the head and body.
Morphology
An elongate, cylindrical fish with a long filament on the first dorsal fin. The colour pattern (described above) is distinctive. Attains a maximum size of 8 cm.
Evolution
The shrimpgoby genus Vanderhorstia contains 27 currently recognised species. It belongs to the most diverse family of fishes on the planet, the Gobiidae, which currently numbers over 1800 different species.
Behaviour
Lives with alpheid shrimps. The diet consists of small benthic invertebrates. Usually seen hovering motionless at the burrow entrance whilst the shrimp excavates the burrow and maintains frequent contact with the fish using its antennae in order to respond to any potential danger. Both retreat hastily into the burrow when threatened.
Method of reproduction
Sexual
Habitat
Marine
Dwells in sandy burrows near reefs in shallow water, usually no deeper than about 15 m.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacfic Region from the Red Sea and eastern Africa to Polynesia.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Vanderhorstia |
| Species: | ornatissima |
| Name Published Year: | 1959 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Smith |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Vanderhorstia-ornatissima
Accessed 23 Aug 2025
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