The four newly described Trimma species is published in Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation (open access paper).  Note: There are no live/underwater photographs of Trimma abyssum so no photographs of this new species is presented in this post.

If it seems like scientists are describing a not of new goby species in recent years, it’s because they are!

Trimma nauagium , underwater photographs, approximately 20 mm SL, Waga Waga, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photographs by G.R. Allen.

Trimma chledophilum, underwater photographs, approximately 20 mm SL, Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Photographs by G.R. Allen.

The following two species are not newly described, although both are fairly new, having only been described in 2011.  They’re included in this post (and in G.R. Allen’s paper) as a comparative reference … and also because they’re too beautiful not to share!

Not a new species, but a beautiful Trimma erdmanni , underwater photograph, approximately 20 mm SL, near Fakfak, West Papua, Indonesia. Photograph by G.R. Allen

Trimma xanthochrum , underwater photograph, approximately 22 mm SL, Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia. Photograph by G.R. Allen.