Leopard-spotted Goby

Fact File: Common Name(s): Leopard-spotted Goby Scientific Name: Thorogobius ephippiatus  Usual Size: 13 cm  UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Boat: MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Medium-sized goby (a family of small fishes with a notorious reputation of being difficult to differentiate, characterised by a pair of dorsal fins, a pelvic fin fused into a weak suction cup). This is the most striking of the British species as the orange blotches are conspicuous in contrast to the coloration of the other species which is usually cryptic to match a background of rock or sand. Breeding: Late spring around the British coasts. Habitat:In rocky areas below low water mark and only rarely found intertidally in the proximity of deep water. Food:Small crustaceans like caprellids, worms. Range: Off the coasts to the south and west of Britain only. Western English Channel only. Additional Notes: Only recognised as a common British fish after the popularity of SCUBA diving. Not nearly as prevalent as most other British gobies.  Information wanted: Please send any records of this fish, with location, date, who discovered it, how it was identified, and any other details to Glaucus@hotmail.com All messages will receive a reply.  Additional Link: http://www.glaucus.org.uk/gobies1.htm Update to Range: you mention: Range: Off the coasts to the south and west of Britain only. Western English Channel only. However, this year I saw the species also in the North Sea: 29 April 2005: St Abbs 30 April 2005: Eyemouth In; Hiscock, K., A. Southward, I. Tittley, A. Jory & S. Hawkins, 2001. The impact of climate change on subtidal and intertidal benthi species in Scotland. Rep. to Scottish Natural Heritage from the Mar. Biol. Ass. of the UK. I found a distribution map (included) which confirms the presence of Thorogobius ephippiatus in this area. Kind regards godfried van moorsel -- G.W.N.M. van Moorsel Ph.D.

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