'Grumpy' fish species discovered in Saudi Arabia: 'In its own tiny world, it is a fearsome predator'

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The Grumpy dwarfgoby, known by scientists as Sueviota aethon, was first found off Saudi Arabia's Farsan banks: an area of reefs that line the Red Sea. The fish were swimming in small "caves" and under overhangs, at depths between 33 and 174 feet beneath surface waters. Later, more specimens were seen near the Makkah Province village of Thuwal.



At a length of less than two centimeters, the rare fish is characterized by its large canine teeth and intimidating expression. Some were dark red and others were yellowish-orange and white, with dark black pupils and iridescent golden rings that surround them. Their red coloration helps them to blend into their habitat: the walls of the reefs, which are covered in red algae.

The fish use...

Julia Musto.