Caboz-de-areia

Descrição

Pomatoschistus minutus, commonly known as the Sand Goby or Caboz-de-areia in Portuguese, is a small, demersal fish belonging to the family Gobiidae. It is characterized by its cryptic coloration, allowing it to blend seamlessly with sandy and muddy substrates. This species plays a significant ecological role in coastal ecosystems as both a predator of small invertebrates and a prey item for larger fish and birds. Its life cycle is relatively short, typically 1-2 years, with rapid growth and high reproductive output.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Dorsal surface is typically sandy-brown to yellowish-grey, often mottled with darker spots and blotches that provide excellent camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. The ventral side is paler, usually whitish. Males often display more intense coloration, especially during breeding season, with darker markings and iridescent spots on the fins.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Two distinct dorsal fins, the first with spiny rays and the second with soft rays., A prominent dark spot on the anterior part of the first dorsal fin., A small, dark spot at the base of the caudal fin., Eyes are relatively large and positioned dorsally., Body is covered in ctenoid scales, except for the head and nape which are scaleless.

Nadadeira dorsal

First dorsal fin: VI-VII (spiny rays); Second dorsal fin: I (spine) + 9-11 (soft rays). The first dorsal fin is typically lower than the second.

Nadadeira caudal

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Nadadeira peitoral

16-19 rays, relatively large and fan-shaped.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are fused to form a suction cup-like disc, characteristic of gobies, used for clinging to substrates.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

saltwater

Profundidade

Typically found in shallow coastal waters, from the intertidal zone down to about 20 meters, though occasionally recorded deeper (up to 90 meters).

Ambiente

Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, lagoons, sheltered bays, and coastal areas. Often found in seagrass beds or areas with sparse vegetation. Tolerates a wide range of salinities, from brackish to full marine conditions.

Distribuição geográfica

Widespread in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, from the Baltic Sea and Norway south to the Mediterranean Sea, including the Black Sea. Also found along the coasts of the British Isles and Iceland.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: intermediate
• Temperamento: peaceful
• Alimentação: carnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 60 liters (approximately 15 gallons) for a small group
• Temperatura: 10-22°C (50-72°F)
• Nível de pH: 7.5-8.5
• Dureza da água: 10-25 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Generally compatible with other small, peaceful brackish or marine species that do not view them as prey. Avoid aggressive or very large tank mates.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires a sandy substrate for burrowing, ample hiding spots (rocks, shells), and good water quality. Can be kept in brackish or full marine setups. Live or frozen small invertebrates are essential for their diet.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Spawning occurs primarily from late winter to late summer, peaking in spring and early summer, depending on geographic location and water temperature. They are present year-round in their habitats.
• Preço de mercado: Not typically sold for human consumption; occasionally used as bait.
• Importância comercial: low
• Sabor: Not typically consumed by humans due to small size.
• Textura: Not typically consumed by humans due to small size.
• Valor nutricional: Not typically consumed by humans due to small size.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Gobiiformes

Família

Gobiidae

Gênero

Pomatoschistus

Espécie

Pomatoschistus minutus

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