# Two New Goby Fish Species Discovered and Lost in Red Sea Researchers identified a rare pygmygoby species that has vanished since its initial 2023 discovery. - **Source:** [Earth.com](https://www.earth.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8acc4058-2458-4ff1-8e19-8d5b2b78abfe ## Rare Discovery Near Walih Island On May 15, 2023, researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology collected two small gobies near a cave off Walih Island, Saudi Arabia. Found at a depth of 98 feet, these specimens were later identified as a new species, Trimma charon, in a September 2026 scientific publication. ## Mythological Naming and Appearance The fish features a translucent body with an orange-red stripe and golden spots on its tail. These spots resemble coins, leading researchers to name the species after Charon, the Greek mythological ferryman who transported souls across the Styx. The iris is uniquely divided into four distinct white and orange sectors. ## Specimen Preservation and Cataloging The two collected fish, measuring 16.8 and 12.1 millimeters, are now housed at the Royal Ontario Museum. While the larger holotype defines the species, researchers noted that the vibrant body colors faded significantly after preservation. Only faint traces of the original eye patterns remained visible in the preserved museum specimens. ## Genetic Analysis and Comparisons Genetic testing using the COI mitochondrial gene revealed an 85 to 86 percent match with Trimma anaima, a related pygmygoby found elsewhere. This genetic gap suggests a long evolutionary presence in the Red Sea. The species is distinguished from its closest relative by having 14 rays in each pectoral fin. ## The Mystery of Disappearance Despite extensive follow-up surveys along the Saudi Arabian coast, no additional specimens have been located since the initial dive. The team utilized hand nets and clove oil during their search, yet the fish remains elusive. This total absence after the discovery raises questions about the species' true population density. ## Depth as a Potential Factor The researchers suggest the fish might inhabit deeper mesophotic reefs, which exist below the 98-foot limit of their standard diving operations. The steep reef slope at Walih Island drops past 328 feet, potentially hiding a larger population. Current scientific surveys in the region rarely reach these deeper, unexplored underwater zones. ## Red Sea Biodiversity Context The discovery of Trimma charon increases the number of known Trimma species in the Red Sea to 11. These bottom-dwelling gobies are ecologically significant, as they provide nearly 60 percent of the food consumed by other reef fish. This genus is now considered the most species-rich goby group in the area. ## Implications for Marine Exploration This case highlights the challenges of documenting biodiversity in undersampled deep-reef environments. While the Red Sea is well-studied, the lack of deep-water access limits comprehensive biological data. Future research must prioritize exploring these dark, deeper habitats to determine if the species is truly rare or simply living beyond reach. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.earth.com/animals/trimma-charon-goby-red-sea-cave/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._