DIVE.EXPLO360.FRObserve, understand, share
Diver services

Sign in to these services with your email address and pairing code.

trouve-MOIIdentify an encounterOn smartphone and computeremporte-MOIFind marine species guides on your phone.On smartphoneExplorariumKeep and share your dive memoriesOn smartphone and computer
ShopAMIGANSEAU ACCESS ↗
Partners and information
Scientific endorsement
Alexandre MeineszInformation

Contact us

Verification code

Striped Goby

Distribution : Mediterranean

At Banyuls-sur-Mer, underwater observations led two researchers to investigate a curious resemblance between the striped goby and Roux's blenny. Their 1978 study explored a possible mimicry relationship between these fish, both marked by a dark stripe along their sides. You can distinguish them by their fins and posture, although the biological explanation for their similarity remains less certain than their visible resemblance.

Photos being acquired · Your photos here

Habitat of Striped Goby Habitat
Wreck, Sand, Rocky habitat, Gravel
Depth range of Striped Goby Depth
15-80 m
Biological group of Striped Goby Group
Ecological role of Striped Goby Role
Predator

Average size

5 cm

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The stripe of the striped goby (Gobius vittatus) starts at the mouth, crosses the eye and runs to the beginning of the tail. Reddish brown, it separates a white belly from a yellowish white back. Transparent, sometimes pinkish fins remain subtle.

The body is small, elongated and almost cylindrical. Roux’s blenny may cause confusion with its similar colouring; the goby has two separate fins along the back, while the blenny has one.

WHERE DOES IT LIVE?

This goby lives on hard or mixed coastal seabeds, often near natural shelters such as cracks or small cavities. It occurs in the Mediterranean and part of the nearby Atlantic. It generally stays near the substrate, behaving discreetly and remaining settled on the bottom.

WHAT DOES IT EAT?

The striped goby's diet includes small crustaceans, polychaete worms and molluscs, particularly gastropods and bivalves. It also eats algae and sponges. Its food therefore includes small animals living near the seabed as well as organisms attached to rocky surfaces.

GO FURTHER WITH AMIGANSEAU

Unlock the full profile

Deepen your knowledge with the exclusive chapters and interactive resources included in an AMIGANSEAU licence.

Choose my licence
  • HOW DOES IT REPRODUCE?
  • OUR OBSERVATIONS
  • ARTICLE

Also included in the full profile

  • Advanced navigation between description, ecological context, observations and behaviour
  • Interactive food chain to explore the species’ feeding relationships
  • Infographic and illustrated summary profile
An active licence gives access to enriched profiles and AMIGANSEAU exploration tools.
Striped Goby

Watch this species in filmed dives

Other species — Benthic fish

Red Scorpionfish Red-mouthed Goby Large-scaled Goby Spotted ray Striped red mullet Small-spotted catshark Anglerfish Kolombatovic’s Goby

Same habitat and depth

Wreck species Sandy seabed species Rocky seabed species Gravel seabed species

Same ecological role and depth

Predatory species

Understand the species

What is this species’ ecological role?

AMIGANSEAU Explorer Premium

Access enriched species profiles with advanced content (audio, infographics and detailed articles).

Explore all species easily through a single interface.

Enjoy a smooth, fast learning experience suited to every level.

🔒 The full profile is available with a paid subscription only.

Discover licences
DEPTH HABITAT PHYLA ECOLOGICAL ROLE