Two-spotted goby

D-Schwimmgrundel, Zweifleckgrundel, Schnappkühling; GB-Two-spotted goby; DK-Toplettet kutling; PL-Babka czarnoplamka; LT-Dvidėmis grundalėlis; LV-Divplankumu jūrasgrundulis; EST-Kirju mudil; FIN-Seitsenruototokko; S-Sjustrålig smörbult

Characters

1) Pelvic fins grown together to form a sucking disc.
2) Basis of both dorsal fins clearly separated from eath other.
3) Neck without scales.
4) Dark, yellow bordered spot on caudal peduncle.
●) Eye standing well apart from eath other.
●) Body colouration brownish to yellowish, with blue spots on the side, males with dark spot in the area of the pectoral fin.
Usually 4 to 5 cm max. up to 6 cm length.

Similar species

Sand goby - distinct dark spot with light border on caudal peduncle missing; with dark spot on end of first dorsal fin.

Common goby - distinct dark spot with light border on caudal peduncle missing; with dark spot on end of first dorsal fin.

Painted goby - double row with dark spots on dorsal fins; body side with 4 to 5 dark spots.

Transparent goby - transpartent, without colour pattern.

Biology

Lives in swarms; swimming free over algae. Eggs are attached on plants from April to August.

Diet

Feeds on zooplankton, like small crustaceans.

Importance

Of no commercial importance.

Remarks

Gobiids resemble each other much; this holds especially true for poorly coloured specimens and juveniles. Often even specialist have much difficulties to clearly identify the species.