How to Identify Common Goby

To identify Common Goby (Pomatoschistus microps), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Dorsally brownish to sandy-yellow, often mottled with darker spots and blotches for camouflage. Ventrally paler, whitish. Males in breeding season develop darker coloration, sometimes with iridescent blue spots on the first dorsal fin.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

superior

Distinctive features

Two distinct dorsal fins, the first with spiny rays and the second with soft rays., Pelvic fins fused to form a disc-like sucker., Small, upward-pointing mouth., Lateral line absent or rudimentary., Typically reaches a maximum total length of 6-8 cm, rarely up to 9 cm.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins: D1 VI-VII (6-7 spines); D2 I/8-11 (1 spine, 8-11 soft rays). The first dorsal fin is typically lower than the second.

Tail fin

Caudal fin rounded.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins relatively large and rounded, with 15-18 rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins fused into a prominent, anteriorly concave sucking disc, characteristic of gobies.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size and Body Shape

   Small, slender body, typically 4-6 cm, rarely exceeding 9 cm. Elongated and somewhat compressed laterally.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 6-7 spines and is generally lower than the second dorsal fin, which has 1 spine and 8-11 soft rays.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fins

   Fused pelvic fins forming a distinctive suction cup on the underside, a key characteristic of gobies.

4. 4

   Mouth

   Small, slightly upturned mouth.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Sandy-brown to yellowish-grey, often with irregular darker blotches and spots along the flanks and back, providing excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. Males in breeding season may show darker markings and iridescent blue spots on the first dorsal fin.

6. 6

   Scales

   Body covered in ctenoid scales, but the head and nape are typically scaleless.

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