Gobius paganellus

Size range: 8-12cm

Common size: 8-10cm

Depth range: 0-3m (range of 0-15)

Habitat:

• Hard - Intertidal, particularly around rocks covered with algae . Below the low tidemark, although it can be found in larger rock pools in summer.

Water column position:

• Benthic

Schooling characteristics:

• Solitary

Colors & patterns: Focus on unique characteristics which distinguish the species from others, specify differences between:

• First dorsal fin edged yellow or orange (pale band)
• Usually black with white blotches, but variable in color
• Often pale bar bellow eye
• Both dorsal fins lack black spots on their leading edges.
• Males are much more black when guarding the eggs
• Juveniles with blue-grey blotch on rear part of dorsal fin

Behavior:

1. Whether the species is:

• Reef-associated - related to sites it inhabits

2. Activity:

• Diurnal

3. Approach:

• Indifferent - but takes shelter in hole if disturbed

4. Unique behavior:

Nests in rocky areas under rocks and shells. The eggs guarded aggressively by the male.

5. Feeding characteristic - carnivore. Eats small crabs, amphipods, polychaetes, larva, small fish, copepods, mites.

Native/Exotic: Native. An Anti-Lessepsian migrant.

EM notes: description of special east Mediterranean characteristics.