This dwarf goby, a relative of the of neon gobies (Stiphodon), was scientifically described in 1999. To date, the species is only known from coastal rivers in western New Guinea (Irian Jaya). However, since it undergoes its juvenile development in the sea, like all sicydiine gobies, it is more than likely that it is much more widespread.
The species Lentipes dimetrodon was described on the basis of six specimens, 5 males and 1 female. The largest male was 23.5 mm long, the female 19 mm (both measurements without tail fin). Unfortunately, the live coloration of the female remains unknown. Our animals are therefore probably fully grown (approx. 25-30 mm with tail fin). When you look into the holding tank, the jet-black little guys with bright blue-white fin edges immediately catch the eye. With their fins spread, they repeatedly rise into the free water column, impressing their conspecifics.
A surprise awaited us in the photo tank. Suddenly, the little creatures developed a broad yellowish to salmon-colored zone in the middle of their bodies. Sometimes they are black, sometimes gray-brown in color. It is great fun to watch these lively aufwuchs eaters. Photographing them is less enjoyable, because these little creatures move at lightning speed and it is incredibly difficult to get a sharp photo of a swimming specimen with spread fins in front of the desired background.
Regardless, because these fish are very rarely available in the trade, it is really worth trying to breed them. Rearing saltwater fish is no longer an insurmountable problem. Of course, this would require being able to identify the females of L. dimetrodon. Unfortunately, we cannot do this…
For our customers: the animals have code 423622 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
