How to Identify Black-spot Goby

To identify Black-spot Goby (Glossogobius concinnus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is generally light brown to grayish, often mottled with darker irregular blotches that provide camouflage. A series of distinct, often vertically elongated, black spots or blotches are present along the lateral line, which is a key identifying feature. The fins are typically translucent with some darker markings or banding.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Series of prominent black spots along the lateral line., Depressed head with a relatively large mouth., Two distinct dorsal fins.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first dorsal fin has 6-7 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 8-9 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically lower than the second.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded, with 17-19 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused to form a disc-like sucker, characteristic of gobies, used for adhesion to substrates.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Lateral Line Spots

   Look for the characteristic series of 5-7 distinct, often vertically elongated, black spots or blotches running along the lateral line from behind the pectoral fin to the caudal peduncle. These spots are usually more prominent than any other body markings.

2. 2

   Head Shape

   Observe the head, which is typically depressed (flattened) and relatively broad, with a large mouth extending to below the anterior margin of the eye.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is generally lower and shorter than the second.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Confirm the presence of fused pelvic fins forming a disc-like sucker on the ventral side, a definitive goby characteristic.

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