Butterfly Shrimpgoby

Vanderhorstia papilio

The Butterfly Shrimpgoby is a small reef fish found in the Northwest Pacific, particularly around the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. It is a member of the goby family and is easily recognizable by its elongated body and distinctive coloration. The fish features numerous small yellow spots scattered across its cheek, operculum, nape, body, and dorsal fins. A dusky yellowish-brown vertical bar is present below its eye, and its body is marked with four dark gray-brown saddles, along with a large blotch at the midlateral base of the caudal fin. The third spine of its first dorsal fin is notably elongate and filamentous, as are the fifth and ninth branched caudal-fin rays, which contribute to its bifurcate caudal fin appearance. This species inhabits marine environments with a preference for sandy-mud bottoms, often found at depths ranging from 5 to 55 meters. It is typically observed at depths of 40 to 50 meters, although younger individuals may be found as shallow as 8 meters. The Butterfly Shrimpgoby is known for its symbiotic relationship with alpheid shrimp, which assists in maintaining a shared burrow. The conservation status of the Butterfly Shrimpgoby is classified as Least Concern according to the IUCN. Divers encountering this species can expect to see it in close association with its shrimp partner, often near the entrance of their shared burrow. Its small size, reaching up to 4.1 cm, and distinctive markings make it a memorable sight for those exploring its natural habitat.