Wormfishes were a subfamily, Microdesminae, which are formerly classified in the family Microdesmidae and are also currently classified, with no intervening rank, in the family Gobiidae and the order Gobiiformes. [1][2] They are found in shallow tropical waters, both marine and brackish, often burrowing in estuarine mud.

The Curious Wormfish is also referred to as the Rainbow Goby, the Neon Worm Goby, and the Yellow-striped Worm Eel. The Curious Wormfish has orange and metallic blue stripes running the length of its body.

Wormfish or Firefish were originally included in the family Blenniidae (bleennies), subsequently placed in with the family Gobiidae (gobies) and have now found a home with the Microdesmids.

Gunnellichthys curiosus, the curious wormfish, is a species of wormfish native to the Indian Ocean from the Seychelles and Mauritius to the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. It is an inhabitant of reefs and can be found at depths of from 9 to 60 metres (30 to 197 ft).

The Pink Wormfish (Microdesmus longipinnis) is a fascinating marine inhabitant that often captures the curiosity of both scientists and ocean enthusiasts alike. These petite, yet vibrant fish showcase unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their environments.

Etymology: Gunnellichthys: From Gunnel, a small eel shaped marine fish of unknown origin, 1686 (Ref. 45335). Marine; reef-associated; depth range 9 - 60 m (Ref. 27115), usually 10 - 60 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 22°C - 27°C (Ref. 27115) Indo-Pacific: Seychelles and Mauritius to the Hawaiian and Society islands.

The pink wormfish differs from the lancetail wormfish by having a rounded tail vs a pointed tail. Similar to the violet goby, but the wormfish has a thicker, more protruding lower jaw and its pelvic fins are separate (fused in gobies),.

The Curious Wormfish is an unusual, fascinating reef fish. They are sensitive to poor water quality and stress from handling and shipping. House this species in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with a fine sandy substrate for burrowing at night.

Gunnellichthys curiosus, the curious wormfish, is a species of wormfish native to the Indian Ocean from the Seychelles and Mauritius to the Hawaiian Islands in the central Pacific Ocean. It is an inhabitant of reefs and can be found at depths of from 9 to 60 metres (30 to 197 ft).

Etymology: Gunnellichthys: From Gunnel, a small eel shaped marine fish of unknown origin, 1686 (Ref. 45335). More on author: Smith. Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 20 m (Ref. 9710), usually 6 - 20 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 23°C - 27°C (Ref. 27115); 30°N - 24°S.