GOBIES

Family Gobiidae

Gobies have two dorsal fins and hold themselves quite rigidly when at rest. The pelvic fins are generally modified into a sucker disc, which keeps the fish securely in place whilst balanced precariously on some underhanging rock ledge. Most gobies are bottom dwellers and whilst they live in a common habitat are a wide and diversely coloured species with different habits.

ANEMONE GOBY

Gobius bucchichii

This goby grows to 10cm (4in) long and is a varied colour of pale cream with numerous dotted patterns about the head and body. It prefers to live on the sandy seabed, always near a rocky crevice. It feeds on small crustaceans and worms and is an active daytime as well as night-time feeder. Ecology: This is the only species of goby (that we know of) in the Mediterranean which has a relationship with anemones, namely the Snakelocks Anemone Anemonia sulcata.

GIANT GOBY

Gobius cobitus

The largest goby in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, the Giant Goby grows to 27cm (11in) long and is found as far east as the shores of the Black Sea. It is a variable grey to cream and black in colour and has prominent eyes and thick, fleshy lips. It feeds on algae as well as small crustaceans, worms and molluscs, and has powerful jaws. Ecology: The spread of this fish is quite remarkable as it was originally thought to have migrated into the Mediterranean from the Atlantic. It has now extended its range further and expanded from the Mediterranean into the northern Red Sea via the Suez Canal. It tends to lie in wait in a hole, waiting for its meal to swim by. It reaches sexual maturity at two to three years of age and lives for up to ten years. Unlike other Mediterranean gobies, and probably the reason for its success, it not only eats benthic invertebrates and fish, but also algae, and it is tolerant of not only light pollution but also fresh water.

RED-LIPPED GOBY

Gobius cruenatus

This species grows to only 18cm (7in) and is instantly recognized by its red lips. It has an elongated, circular body, large head with black sensory spots and an unbranched tentacle over each nostril. It has an overall blotched dark colour appearance. Ecology: It enjoys low light conditions and prefers to stay within reach of a rocky overhang or rock to hide under should danger threaten. It is quite easily recognized.

SAND GOBY

Gobius geniporus

This small species grows to 16cm (6in) and is perhaps the most common of all the gobies encountered. Found on the seabed on sand and around seagrass meadows; it can occur in large numbers. It has excellent camouflage, having similar markings to the speckles of the sand and gravel habitat it prefers. Ecology: It may have good camouflage, but it is too curious to keep away and when you are photographing other sedentary creatures, many of the these gobies will come and look at what is going on.

BLACK GOBY

Gobius niger

This is a large goby growing to over 15cm (6in) and it quite enjoys harbours and brackish waters, where it is at home in estuaries, coastal lagoons and sea lochs. Sexually mature at two years of age, the territorial males and juveniles are jet black (hence the name) and have a life span of five years. The Black Goby is widely distributed from Norway to the Canary Islands and Mauritania as well as through the Mediterranean into the furthest reaches of the Adriatic and the Black Sea. Ecology: It is very territorial in nature and is locally common on all sandy seabeds, preferring the shelter of nearby reefs and seagrass meadows.

LEOPARD SPOTTED GOBY

Thorogobius ephippiatus

This is another very distinctive goby and cannot be confused with any other species. It grows to 13cm (5in) and is covered in dark purplish blotches on a pinkish-blue background. Widely distributed, it can be found from the Black Sea to Northern Norway and the Canary Islands. Ecology: Quite a sociable fish, it tends to be found in pairs or small groups, their heads usually aligned back towards a rocky recess where they quickly dart for cover if disturbed or threatened. This species prefers low light conditions and a soft substrate and, consequently, it is more commonly seen in caves and caverns. It is an active predator at night, feeding on small worms and crustaceans.