Come identificare Leopard Goby

Per identificare Leopard Goby (Gobius ephippiophorus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

The body coloration is highly variable, typically ranging from light brown to yellowish-brown, often with irregular dark brown to black blotches and spots that resemble a leopard's pattern. These markings are often arranged in several transverse bands or saddles across the back and flanks. The fins are generally translucent with some darker spots or bands.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Distinctive leopard-like pattern of dark blotches and spots on a lighter background., Two dorsal fins, the first with spiny rays and the second with soft rays., Fused pelvic fins forming a prominent ventral suction disc., Large head with relatively large eyes positioned dorsally.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins; D1 VI-VII (spines), D2 I/10-12 (spine/soft rays). The first dorsal fin is typically lower than the second.

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is rounded to slightly truncate.

Pinna pettorale

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

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are completely fused into a disc-like structure, characteristic of gobies, used for adhesion to substrates.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Coloration and Pattern

   Look for the characteristic irregular dark blotches and spots on a lighter brown or yellowish background, resembling a leopard's coat. These markings are often arranged as saddles across the back.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Observe the two distinct dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 6-7 spines and is typically lower than the second dorsal fin, which has one spine and 10-12 soft rays.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fins

   Confirm the presence of fully fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup on the ventral side, a definitive goby characteristic.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults rarely exceed 10 cm in total length.

Esplora Leopard Goby