Come identificare Rock Goby

Per identificare Rock Goby (Gobius paganellus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

elongated

Colorazione

Variable, typically mottled brown, grey, or olive-green, often with darker blotches and spots that provide excellent camouflage against rocky backgrounds. The first dorsal fin usually has a distinctive orange or reddish margin, particularly prominent in males during breeding season. The operculum (gill cover) often features a dark, iridescent blue-black spot.

Tipo di squame

ctenoid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Robust body, reaching up to 12-13 cm in length, occasionally up to 15 cm., Large head with prominent eyes., Two dorsal fins, the first with 6-7 spines, the second with 1 spine and 13-15 soft rays., Anal fin with 1 spine and 11-13 soft rays., Pectoral fins are large and rounded., Pelvic fins are fused to form a suction cup-like disc, characteristic of gobies, used for adhering to rocks., Lateral line absent., Scales are ctenoid on the body, cycloid on the head and nape.

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is higher and spiny (D1 VI-VII), often with a distinctive orange or reddish margin. The second dorsal fin is longer and soft-rayed (D2 I/13-15).

Pinna caudale

Caudal fin is rounded.

Pinna pettorale

Large and rounded, typically with 18-20 rays.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are fused into a prominent, cup-shaped adhesive disc (frenum present), located anterior to the anal fin.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   First Dorsal Fin Margin

   Look for the distinctive orange or reddish margin on the first dorsal fin, especially noticeable in males.

2. 2

   Opercular Spot

   A dark, often iridescent blue-black spot on the upper part of the operculum (gill cover) is a key identifier.

3. 3

   Body Coloration and Pattern

   Mottled brown/grey/olive coloration with darker blotches for camouflage. The overall robust appearance helps distinguish it from smaller, more slender gobies.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fin Disc

   The fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup are characteristic of gobies, but its size and shape can be a distinguishing feature among different goby species.

Esplora Rock Goby