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Leopard-spotted goby

Distribution : Mediterranean

In the shade of an overhang, a leopard-spotted goby may rest only centimetres from the shelter it will enter at the slightest alarm. Its wariness explains why encounters are often brief. Pausing beside the rock can reveal a fish where a quick swim past showed only a dark crack.

Habitat of Leopard-spotted goby Habitat
Rocky habitat, Sand
Depth range of Leopard-spotted goby Depth
5-40 m
Biological group of Leopard-spotted goby Group
Ecological role of Leopard-spotted goby Role
Predator, Herbivore

📏 Size

Up to 13 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The leopard-spotted goby reaches about thirteen centimetres. Its white to grey background highlights large brown blotches along the flanks and finer orange-red spots on the head. The eyes are dark green, and the body may show iridescent colours.

It has two dorsal fins marked with orange bands, with a black spot at the rear of the first. The pelvic fins beneath the belly join into a disc. The head lacks scales, and the body flattens sideways towards the tail.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

It inhabits small shaded areas of sand beside caves, fissures and overhangs. It also uses cracks in vertical rock faces. Sightings are possible from a few metres to roughly forty metres deep.

Its range extends beyond the Mediterranean into the Atlantic and English Channel, reaching north-western European coasts. There too, it remains closely associated with rocky refuges.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

Its prey consists mainly of small crustaceans. It also eats worms, gastropods, the mollusc group containing snails, and other small organisms. Algae, eggs and larvae are also mentioned in diet accounts.

This varied menu is described as opportunistic: the fish can use several kinds of food available around it.

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Leopard-spotted goby

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