Pale Pygmygoby

Trimma anaima

The Pale Pygmygoby, a member of the goby family, is a small reef fish found in tropical marine environments. It reaches a maximum length of 3.0 cm and is characterized by its semi-translucent pink coloration on the upper half of its body, with a broad reddish-orange midlateral stripe. Its body is fusiform and compressed, with distinctive features such as a bony interorbital region and unbranched pectoral rays. The Pale Pygmygoby lacks elongated spines and has a narrow light blue line below the eye. This species inhabits coastal reef slopes and lagoons across the Indo-West Pacific region, including the Comores, Maldive Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Caroline Islands, Papua New Guinea, Western Australia, and Fiji. It is typically found along reef margins with rubble, in caves, and crevices, often at depths ranging from 3 to 35 meters. The Pale Pygmygoby is relatively rare in collections, usually encountered singly or in pairs. The Pale Pygmygoby is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers encountering this species may find it in the crevices and drop-offs of reefs, where its small size and cryptic nature make it a subtle presence.