In October 2024, researchers from Konservasi Indonesia led an eight-day expedition in Saleh Bay, studying whale shark behavior and marine biodiversity. They discovered Eviota samota, a new dwarf goby species named after Saleh, Moyo, and Tambora.  

The fish is characterized by a unique pattern of sensory canal pores on its head, including only paired SOT (supraocular pore) and PITO (posterior interorbital pore). Previously, this pattern was only found in two other species in the same genus, E. pseudaprica and E. amphipora. Both species differ from the new species by their body color patterns and the number of rays on their dorsal and anal fins.  

“This new species was found in shallow coral reefs at 3-5 meters, hiding in coral crevices within the lagoon. While currently recorded in two locations, it likely exists elsewhere in Indonesia,” said Iqbal Herwata, Konservasi Indonesia’s Focal Species Conservation Senior Manager.   

Iqbal continued, the discovery of  Eviota samota  brings the total number of species described within the Eviota genus to 134, further enriching the diversity of goby fish in the Indo-Pacific. This also confirms Eviota as one of the reef fish genus with the highest level of diversity. “Saleh Bay is unique because of its small size but high diversity. In just eight days of surveys, 570 species were recorded, including potentially six new species such as the confirmed Eviota samota,” said Iqbal.