Scientific Name
Vanderhorstia nobilis
Common Name
Majestic shrimpgoby
Biology
Dorsal
spines
(total): 7;
Dorsal
soft rays
(total): 16;
Anal
spines: 1;
Anal
soft rays: 17. This species is distinguished by the following set of characters: D VI-I, 16; A I, 17; pectoral rays 17-18; scales in longitudinal series 63-68; without scales on head, nape, or prepectoral area; ctenoid scales posteriorly, cycloid anterior to base of sixth dorsal spine; males with elongate body (depth 6.9 in SL), females stouter (depth 5.2-5.3 in SL); gill opening extending forward nearly to a vertical at posterior edge of orbit; dorsal spines progressively longer to third (at least 3.65-4.0 in SL); caudal fin long and pointed (1.9-2.2 in SL); pectoral fins in male reaching to above anal fin origin, or to anus in females, 4.2-4.4 in SL; pelvic fins do not reach base of first anal soft ray (4.1 in SL); distinct colour pattern features of males include a mid-dorsal, neon blue stripe on head, irregular orange spots, bars, and bands on cheek, operculum, and adjacent pectoral fin bas