Microgobius gulosus

FamilyScientific NameAuthorYearCommon Name
GobiidaeMicrogobius gulosus(Girard)1858Clown Goby

All Microgobis – Pelvic fins completely united to form a round sucking disc. Dorsal fins separated. Body stout. No chevron markings on sides. Upper pectoral-fin rays broadly united. Tongue sometimes slightly indented but not notched. No lobes on shoulder girdle. Body mostly covered with scales. Dorsal fin with seven spines.

Microgobius gulosus

Unique Characters: Body of male tan with 8-9 obscure blotches along back. Dorsal fins threadlike. Large males with dorsal spines 2–5 produced. Gape moderately inclined. White bands from mouth to opercle. Lateral scale rows 44–54. Scales mostly cycloid. Body without lateral yellow stripes. Lateral cephalic sensory canal with three pores.

Similar Species:

Seminole Goby
Microgobius carri

Green Goby
Microgobius thalassinus

Microgobius thalassinus
Green Goby – Microgobius thalassinus

Seminole Goby Microgobius carri. Body tan to whitish gray. Body with golden lateral stripe from nape through caudal fin (lost in preservation). Dorsal spines elongated in larger specimens; no black spots on median fins. Lateral scale rows 50–62. Scales mostly ctenoid.

Green Goby, Microgobius thalassinus. Body greenish or bluish. Usually three iridescent bands running down from first dorsal fin. Gape strongly inclined. Large males with only slightly produced dorsal spines. Males with dark spots along anal fin margin Lateral scale rows 44–54. Scales mostly cycloid. Body without lateral yellow stripes. Median fins variously spotted. Lateral cephalic sensory canal (just behind orbits) with two pores.

Reference: Ross, S.W., and F.C. Rohde. 2004. The gobioid fishes of North Carolina (Pisces: Gobioidei). Bulletin of Marine Science 74:287-323.

Gallery