Rumor's Yashia & Alpheus randalli

[KingFish]

Introducing the White-Ray or Yasha Hashe Goby

From the family of Stonogobiops, but it has yet to be confirmed.

Perhaps soon, as any other goby aficionados would hope, it will be officially referred to as Stonogobiops yasha.

[KingFish]

You can see the exquisite fin markings, differentiated from the lateral wavy lines on its caudal fins and the dark patch on its dorsal fins with a hint of orange.

Its body is lined with bright orangey red and orange.

[KingFish]

The Alpheus randalli appears after a hard day's work keeping the shared burrow in order.

[KingFish]

The symbiotic relationship between these two is apparent.

The Yashia will guard the burrow as the shrimp work within.

It'll snap its dorsal fin when a potential intruder appears, seemingly to warn the Randalli to stay hidden.

[KingFish]

While guarding the burrow, the Yashia snaps at passing food, at times a little distance from it, but never stray too far. The Randalli is seen here out scavenging for food.

[KingFish]

Some distance away from the burrow, the Yashia keeps watch over the shrimp in a hover.

[KingFish]

These are as good a picture I can get, I spend about an hour crouching over the camera like a wildlife photographer to catch this elusive pair in action. Well, its worth it

That's all for the moment folks, be back with better quality pictures soon.

Ciao

[FuEl]

Wah..such patience...

[Terryz_]

Sure going to have backache..

[nicky30092002]

rumor, thats some real good shots!

[marinebetta]

Fantastic pics!

Too bad the male yashia was a write off.....would have made a really nice family pic....

[jc85]

wow. Very nice pic and effort there. Learn something new yet again.

<thumbs up>

JC

[FuEl]

Fantastic pics!

Too bad the male yashia was a write off.....would have made a really nice family pic....

Hmmm..just wondering..how to tell if the gobies are male or female? Besides the yashias, for other species I think it is nearly impossible to tell them apart?

[marinebetta]

Not sure about the other species but for the yashia, the ventral fin in the male is a bit larger and has a black rim....

[FuEl]

Ah..guess mine is female then..ventral fin no black rim...too bad not male..hehe..i prefer male fish.

[KingFish]

Thanks guys ... it sure is difficult to take decent pictures of the pair when its ready to bolt at the slightest disturbance, but its worth it, learnt something myself

Not really happy with the shots from the old Nikon Coolpix 885, will try again.

marinebetta, the male was really a pity ... the hunt continues

[marinebetta]

There was only one male at CF. It shared the same tank as Rumor's but not sure if they were already a pair. However, it had some problems otherwise you would have seen it in Rumor's pics!

[marinebetta]

Not really happy with the shots from the old Nikon Coolpix 885, will try again.

You're too modest! I thought "National Geographic" when I saw the pics

[FuEl]

Oh yes..Rumor..need to ask you something..You know how to differenciate Stonogobiops nematodes from Stonogobiops xanthorhinica? Cause the PR shipment I saw some with short dorsal fins. Dunno if it could be the xanthorhinica.

[KingFish]

Oh yes..Rumor..need to ask you something..You know how to differenciate Stonogobiops nematodes from Stonogobiops xanthorhinica? Cause the PR shipment I saw some with short dorsal fins. Dunno if it could be the xanthorhinica.

Some of the nematodes looks to have shorter dorsals but I'm hoping very much for one or two to be xanthorhinica.

Xanthorhinica have darker and more distinct bars, and may be found in depths of down to 45metres

We could get lucky

[FuEl]

OK...came across this site

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/dec2002/Fish.htm

Good for people into gobies. Anyway..the pictures illustrate the differences in the dorsal fin quite clearly. The back portion of dorsal fin of xanthorhinica bends in a backward direction. The back portion of the dorsal fin of nematodes bends towards the front.

Rumor..if you happen to spot any xanthorhinica help me buy first?!

[Terryz_]

I now find the common one nicer... Their yashia goby the dorsal damn long ler... Damn nice also...

[FuEl]

xanthorhinica more rare mah...but scarely bring in the price the same as helfrich.

[Terryz_]

*Gulp...

[KingFish]

Interesting article thanks.

I'm glad I'm able to take some decent pictures, where others have found difficult. It being in a nano tank with peaceful tankmates does make creeping up to the mounted camera easier

Anyone who wishes to use these pictures are welcome to, with the proper credits