Description:

Dorsal spines: 20-21; Dorsal rays: 40-42; Anal rays: 38-40.

Elongate body, slim body. Dorsal fin runs nearly the entire length of the dorsal profile. Anal fin runs approximatley half the body length to the short 
caudal peduncle. Caudal fin rounded

Colour. White with broad orange stripe from snout through eye, along side of body to caudal peduncle. Distinctive large black blotch on base of caudal fin.
Dorsal fin and dorsal fin base yellow-orange. Caudal fin rays yellow divided in three by 2 white stripes. 
 

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 12.0 cm SL. 
 

Burrwoing species that inhabits silty, sandy and rubble slopes, or mud bottoms (depth 0-60 m, usually 10-60 m). Benthopelagic. Takes refuge in burrows 
when threatened. Feed primarily on benthic and pelagic crustaceans along with copepods, amphipods, ostracods, shrimps and crabs. Occurs singly or in pairs.
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is not subject to the artisanal fishery. 
 

Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
 

Bray, D.J. (2016). Gunnellichthys curiosus in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/Home/species/4183 (11/09/22). 
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://fishbase.mnhn.fr/summary/12677 (11/09/22). 
Greenfield, D. & Munroe, T.A. (2016). Gunnellichthys curiosus. The IUCN Red List 2016: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T69128053A69130368.en. (11/09/22).

Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2019). Gunnellichthys curiosus, Curious wormfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/gunnellichthys-curiosus-dawson-1968/