How to Identify Paganellus goby

To identify Paganellus goby (Gobius paganellus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Variable, typically dark brown to olive-green dorsally, fading to lighter brown or grey ventrally. Often mottled with darker blotches and lighter spots, providing excellent camouflage against rocky substrates. Males tend to be darker during breeding season. A distinctive white or pale margin is often present on the upper edge of the first dorsal fin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust body, slightly compressed laterally., Large head with prominent sensory pores and papillae., Two dorsal fins, the first with 6 spines, the second with 1 spine and 13-15 soft rays., Pelvic fins fused into a disc-like sucker., A distinctive white or pale margin on the upper edge of the first dorsal fin (especially prominent in males)., Often a dark spot or ocellus on the upper posterior part of the first dorsal fin.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins. First dorsal fin with VI (6) spines. Second dorsal fin with I (1) spine and 13-15 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically higher than the second.

Tail fin

Caudal fin rounded, with 13-15 branched rays.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins large and rounded, with 17-20 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are completely fused to form a prominent, anteriorly concave, disc-like sucking apparatus, characteristic of gobies, used for adhesion to substrates. Anal fin with I (1) spine and 10-13 soft rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   First Dorsal Fin Margin

   Look for a distinct white or pale margin along the upper edge of the first dorsal fin. This is a key distinguishing feature, especially from other Gobius species.

2. 2

   Sensory Pores

   Observe the prominent sensory pores and papillae on the head, which are more developed than in many other goby species.

3. 3

   Body Coloration and Pattern

   Note the mottled dark brown to olive-green coloration with darker blotches, providing camouflage. The overall robust appearance is also characteristic.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fin Sucker

   Confirm the presence of the fused, disc-like pelvic fin sucker, typical of gobies, which allows it to cling to rocks.

Explore Paganellus goby