How to Identify Flathead Goby

To identify Flathead Goby (Glossogobius giuris), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Body color varies from light brown to grayish-green, often mottled with darker blotches and spots that provide camouflage. A series of 5-7 dark, irregular blotches or saddles are typically present along the lateral line. The fins are generally translucent with dark spots or bands.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Depressed (flattened) head, especially dorsally., Large mouth extending to below the anterior margin of the eye., Two separate dorsal fins., Pelvic fins fused into a disc-like sucker., Ctenoid scales covering most of the body, cycloid scales on the head and nape.

Dorsal fin

Two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 6 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 8-10 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large and rounded pectoral fins, typically with 17-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused to form a prominent, cup-like adhesive disc, characteristic of gobies, used for clinging to substrates.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Look for the distinctly flattened or depressed head, which gives it the 'flathead' moniker.

2. 2

   Mouth Size

   Observe the large mouth that extends back to at least the anterior margin of the eye.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the presence of two clearly separate dorsal fins.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Identify the fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup on the underside, typical of gobies.

5. 5

   Coloration and Markings

   Examine the mottled brown/gray coloration with irregular dark blotches along the sides, which aid in camouflage.

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