Come identificare Etruscan Goby

Per identificare Etruscan Goby (Gobius Etruscus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Cryptic, typically mottled brown, grey, and olive-green, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the streambed. Irregular dark blotches and saddles are often present along the flanks. The ventral side is usually lighter, often whitish or pale yellow. Males may exhibit more intense coloration during breeding season, with darker fins and more pronounced patterns.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Two distinct dorsal fins, with the first dorsal fin having 6-7 spines and the second having 1 spine and 8-10 soft rays., Pelvic fins fused into a disc-like sucker, characteristic of gobies, used for adhesion to substrates in fast currents., Large head with a relatively wide mouth., Small, ctenoid scales covering the body, absent on the head and nape., Lateral line system is well-developed on the head, consisting of sensory pores and papillae.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins. First dorsal fin with VI-VII spines. Second dorsal fin with I spine and 8-10 soft rays.

Pinna caudale

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Large and rounded pectoral fins, typically with 15-18 rays.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are completely fused to form a prominent adhesive disc, located anterior to the anus.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Size

   Small fish, typically reaching a maximum total length of 5-7 cm, rarely exceeding 8 cm.

2. 2

   Pelvic Fin Disc

   The most distinguishing feature is the fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup, typical of gobies, which allows it to cling to rocks in strong currents.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Presence of two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is spiny, and the second is soft-rayed.

4. 4

   Coloration and Pattern

   Cryptic mottled brown/grey/olive coloration with irregular dark blotches helps it blend with the streambed.

5. 5

   Habitat

   Its presence in fast-flowing, clear freshwater streams of central Italy is a strong indicator.

Esplora Etruscan Goby