Sand Goby

Fact File: Common Name(s): Sand Goby Scientific Name: Pomatoschistus minitus Usual Size: 94 mm UK Record Weights from rod/line: Shore: Boat: MAFF Minimum Size: Shore: Boat:

Identification: Small goby (a family of small fishes with a notorious reputation of being difficult to differentiate, characterised by a pair of dorsal fins, and a pelvic fin fused into a weak suction cup). Sandy colour but longer* than the similar species Pomatoschistus microps. In breeding coloration the male fish has a occelated spot at the rear of the first dorsal fin. Only experienced rockpoolers are likely to be able to separate these species in the wild. *distance from the last second dorsal fin ray to the tail fin is proportionately greater than in P.microps. Breeding: Summer. Habitat: Sandy shallows, intertidal with shallow sandy pools, estuaries in autumn. Food: Small crustaceans like caprellids, worms. Range: All British coasts, North Sea, Mediterranean. Abundant. Additional Notes: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/BMLSS/Gobies1.htm

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