Dr. Mark Van Nydeck Erdmann (Conservation International Advertisement), Indonesien
Info
Eviota niedenthali David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann und Nesha K. Ichida (2026)
Bikini Colon dwarfgoby
New dwarfgoby described from Bikini Atoll: Eviota niedenthali
A new species of dwarfgoby, Eviota niedenthali, has been scientifically described from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The species belongs to the goby family Gobiidae. The specimens examined reached a maximum standard length of 14 millimetres. At the time of publication, its description increased the number of recognised species in the genus Eviota to 139.
The new species was discovered in July 2025 during a scientific expedition to Bikini Atoll. The research team surveyed the diversity of dwarfgobies in the area and documented a total of twelve different Eviota species. Another objective of the expedition was to examine the condition and recovery of the coral reefs following the 23 nuclear tests conducted at the atoll between 1946 and 1958.
Appearance and identifying features
The basic coloration of Eviota niedenthali is translucent pale yellow. The edges of the scales are outlined in red-orange, making the individual scales clearly visible. Six red-orange bars cross the body, some of which form an X-shaped pattern.
Two vertically arranged oval black spots on the base of the pectoral fin are particularly characteristic. Their colon-like arrangement inspired the English common name “Bikini Colon Dwarfgoby”. Another large black spot is located in the centre of the caudal peduncle. The species also has six dark spots along the underside of the body behind the origin of the anal fin.
The head bears several black spots and red-orange lines. The iris is reddish and features silver-black markings radiating outwards from the pupil. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are densely peppered with small dark pigment spots.
Anatomical identifying features include eight soft rays in the second dorsal fin and eight in the anal fin. Some of the pectoral-fin rays are branched. The fifth pelvic-fin ray, which is present in many related species, is completely absent.
Distribution and natural habitat
So far, Eviota niedenthali is known only from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll. The species was recorded at just one of the 14 sites surveyed. This location is characterised by very low wave energy and only weak currents.
The fish were found at depths of approximately ten to twelve metres, resting on large patches of calcareous Halimeda algae. These algae grew on a mostly flat, sandy lagoon floor around 300 metres offshore from Bikini Island. When approached, the small gobies quickly retreated into the Halimeda patches.
The researchers suspect that the species may also occur in comparable lagoon habitats on other atolls in the Marshall Islands or possibly farther afield. However, there are currently no confirmed records from other locations.
Differences from related species
Eviota niedenthali closely resembles Eviota susanae from Hawaii and Eviota maculibotella, which is known from Vietnam and the Solomon Islands.
The new species differs from Eviota susanae in several respects, including the absence of the fifth pelvic-fin ray and the number of dark spots behind the anal fin. Eviota susanae has four of these spots, whereas Eviota niedenthali has six.
Eviota maculibotella also possesses a fifth pelvic-fin ray and has a different body pattern. In particular, it lacks the large black spot in the centre of the caudal peduncle. The black markings on the pectoral-fin base are also distinctly different.
Origin of the name
The species name niedenthali honours Jack Niedenthal. He has supported the people of Bikini for many years, previously served as Minister of Health of the Marshall Islands and accompanied the scientific expedition as a knowledgeable local guide.
Quick facts
Scientific name: Eviota niedenthali
Common name: Bikini Colon Dwarfgoby
Family: Gobiidae – gobies
Maximum recorded standard length: 14 mm
Distribution: Currently known only from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll
Habitat: Sandy lagoon floor with large patches of Halimeda algae
Recorded depth: 10–12 metres
Water movement: Low wave energy and weak currents
Distinctive features: Two black spots on the pectoral-fin base and a large black spot on the caudal peduncle
Name origin: Named in honour of Jack Niedenthal
The original scientific description does not provide specific information on the species’ diet, aquarium husbandry or long-term care. Therefore, no reliable husbandry recommendations should be derived from this publication alone.
Source: David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann and Nesha K. Ichida (2026): “Eviota niedenthali, a new dwarfgoby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (Teleostei: Gobiidae)”, Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, Volume 46, pages 9–14. Original publication
Bikini Colon dwarfgoby
New dwarfgoby described from Bikini Atoll: Eviota niedenthali
A new species of dwarfgoby, Eviota niedenthali, has been scientifically described from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The species belongs to the goby family Gobiidae. The specimens examined reached a maximum standard length of 14 millimetres. At the time of publication, its description increased the number of recognised species in the genus Eviota to 139.
The new species was discovered in July 2025 during a scientific expedition to Bikini Atoll. The research team surveyed the diversity of dwarfgobies in the area and documented a total of twelve different Eviota species. Another objective of the expedition was to examine the condition and recovery of the coral reefs following the 23 nuclear tests conducted at the atoll between 1946 and 1958.
Appearance and identifying features
The basic coloration of Eviota niedenthali is translucent pale yellow. The edges of the scales are outlined in red-orange, making the individual scales clearly visible. Six red-orange bars cross the body, some of which form an X-shaped pattern.
Two vertically arranged oval black spots on the base of the pectoral fin are particularly characteristic. Their colon-like arrangement inspired the English common name “Bikini Colon Dwarfgoby”. Another large black spot is located in the centre of the caudal peduncle. The species also has six dark spots along the underside of the body behind the origin of the anal fin.
The head bears several black spots and red-orange lines. The iris is reddish and features silver-black markings radiating outwards from the pupil. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins are densely peppered with small dark pigment spots.
Anatomical identifying features include eight soft rays in the second dorsal fin and eight in the anal fin. Some of the pectoral-fin rays are branched. The fifth pelvic-fin ray, which is present in many related species, is completely absent.
Distribution and natural habitat
So far, Eviota niedenthali is known only from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll. The species was recorded at just one of the 14 sites surveyed. This location is characterised by very low wave energy and only weak currents.
The fish were found at depths of approximately ten to twelve metres, resting on large patches of calcareous Halimeda algae. These algae grew on a mostly flat, sandy lagoon floor around 300 metres offshore from Bikini Island. When approached, the small gobies quickly retreated into the Halimeda patches.
The researchers suspect that the species may also occur in comparable lagoon habitats on other atolls in the Marshall Islands or possibly farther afield. However, there are currently no confirmed records from other locations.
Differences from related species
Eviota niedenthali closely resembles Eviota susanae from Hawaii and Eviota maculibotella, which is known from Vietnam and the Solomon Islands.
The new species differs from Eviota susanae in several respects, including the absence of the fifth pelvic-fin ray and the number of dark spots behind the anal fin. Eviota susanae has four of these spots, whereas Eviota niedenthali has six.
Eviota maculibotella also possesses a fifth pelvic-fin ray and has a different body pattern. In particular, it lacks the large black spot in the centre of the caudal peduncle. The black markings on the pectoral-fin base are also distinctly different.
Origin of the name
The species name niedenthali honours Jack Niedenthal. He has supported the people of Bikini for many years, previously served as Minister of Health of the Marshall Islands and accompanied the scientific expedition as a knowledgeable local guide.
Quick facts
Scientific name: Eviota niedenthali
Common name: Bikini Colon Dwarfgoby
Family: Gobiidae – gobies
Maximum recorded standard length: 14 mm
Distribution: Currently known only from the lagoon of Bikini Atoll
Habitat: Sandy lagoon floor with large patches of Halimeda algae
Recorded depth: 10–12 metres
Water movement: Low wave energy and weak currents
Distinctive features: Two black spots on the pectoral-fin base and a large black spot on the caudal peduncle
Name origin: Named in honour of Jack Niedenthal
The original scientific description does not provide specific information on the species’ diet, aquarium husbandry or long-term care. Therefore, no reliable husbandry recommendations should be derived from this publication alone.
Source: David W. Greenfield, Mark V. Erdmann and Nesha K. Ichida (2026): “Eviota niedenthali, a new dwarfgoby from Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands (Teleostei: Gobiidae)”, Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, Volume 46, pages 9–14. Original publication
