Yellow Cavegoby

Trimma taylori

The Yellow Cavegoby is a small reef-associated fish found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Maldives to the Hawaiian and Society Islands, and from Japan to Australia. It typically inhabits depths between 20 and 50 meters, often residing in caves along drop-offs. This species is known for its semi-translucent upper body and pinkish-orange lower body, with males featuring distinctive yellow spotting on the fins. The second dorsal spine is elongate and filamentous, and the fish has a compressed, fusiform shape. In terms of behavior, the Yellow Cavegoby forms loose schools near the roofs or sides of caves and quickly retreats into holes or crevices when approached. It is often seen alongside other species of the Trimma genus. The diet of the Yellow Cavegoby primarily consists of harpacticoid copepods. The Yellow Cavegoby is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers encountering this species can expect to see it hovering near cave walls, disappearing into crevices if disturbed. It is harmless to humans and holds no interest for fisheries.