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Newly recorded species of Gobiidae at the Dongsha Island

Last Updated: 2013-01-07

The MNPH discovered two previously unrecorded Gobiidae species while conducting research on the relationship between Gobiidae and the habitats. The researchers collected two species from the shallow regions of the 8th location of the Donsha Island and the lagoon estuary; they were the Bathygobius cocosensis and the Papillogobius reichei.

The coastal regions of the Donsha Island are shallow and include the outer oceanic currents and the inner lagoons with their poorer water exchange rates. The sub-tidal zones of the coastal regions contain a natural abundance of different habitats, aside from the man-made tetrapods and harbor facilities. The cross interactions of these various complicated environmental factors have attracted many small benthic fish species to thrive in these habitats; one of which is the Gobiidae species.

Of the two newly discovered record species of Goby, the Bathygobius cocosensis likes to hide under the rocks in the low-tide tidal pools, and sometimes can be found at the base of the tetrapods or in the sea grass. At the 8th location, the abundant shoals are littered with rocks of various sizes, creating a perfect habitat for the Bathygobius cocosensis.  Search carefully through the sub-tidal zones and you may find their presence. On the other hand, the Papillogobius reichei is found in the sandy shoals of the higher temperature, poorer water-exchange regions of the inner lagoon. They normally forage on the bottom sands and are quick to flee at the first sight of humans, or hide their bodies inside the sand, leaving only their camouflaged heads and observing the environment with their eyes. 
The discovery of the two new record species of Gobiidae has further enriched the biodiversity data of the fish species in the Dongsha Atoll National Park. Through this study, we can understand better the relationship between these small benthic fish and their habitats.
Published: 2013-01-07
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