Gobiosoma bosc
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Gobiiformes
Family: Gobiidae
Genus: Gobiosoma
Species:
G. bosc
Binomial name
Gobiosoma bosc
(Lacépède, 1800)
Synonyms[2]
  • Gobius bosc Lacepède, 1800
  • Gobiosoma molestum Girard, 1858
  • Gobiosoma bosci (Lacepède, 1800)
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Gobiosoma bosc (naked goby) is a fish named for its lack of scales. This is a true goby; it is part of the genus Gobiosoma.

Description

The naked goby is usually less than 2 inches in length and lacks scales. The pelvic fins of the naked goby are linked together by a membrane, fitting the purpose of a sucker-like disk. The fin also reaches a point between the base and the anus. It ranges in color from a pale yellow to a murky brown, and is variably marked along its body with nine to ten vertical bars, which may not be visible in individuals with very light or dark body coloration.[3]

Distribution and habitat

Generally, naked gobies live in estuaries and coastal waters.[4] It is noted that naked gobies may bury themselves in bottom sediments in the winter.[5] The naked goby is found in the Western Atlantic from Connecticut to Mexico. It lives almost exclusively in habitats with brackish water. Younger members of the species are commonly found in estuaries south of New Jersey and only sporadically in estuaries north of New Jersey.

Reproduction

They tend to reproduce from May to November. They are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs. The females are known to lay their eggs in empty oyster shells. It is then up to the males to guard the eggs until they hatch. After they hatch, the free swimming larvae may migrate upstream and school over oyster reefs before settling.[5]

The lifespan of this fish is approximately 4 years.[3]

Feeding

With a terminal mouth and being bottom dwelling fish they are known to eat worms and small crustaceans.[6] However, it has been seen that they are attracted to injured or dead oysters.[3]

Food SourceDry SeasonWet Season
Other Primary Producers10%10%
Zooplankton8%7%
Polychaetes1%1%
Small Macrocrustaceans5%5%
Amphipods43%38%
Other Shrimps10%8%
Freshwater Invertebrates0%3%
Aquatic Insects & Larvae8%13%
POC15%15%

Food energy content: 4.714 [kcal/g] [7]

References

  1. ↑ van Tassell, J.; Aiken, K.A.; Tornabene, L.; Lyons, T.J. (2019). "Gobiosoma bosc". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T186012A82657367. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T186012A82657367.en. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  2. ↑ "Gobiosoma bosc (Lacepède, 1800)". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Hassan-Williams, Carla; Bonner, Timothy H. (23 January 2013). "Naked goby Gobiosoma bosc". Texas Freshwater Fishes. Photographs by Chad Thomas. Texas State University–San Marcos Biology Department / Aquatic Station. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  4. ↑ "Gobiosoma bosc summary page". FishBase.
  5. 1 2 Program, Chesapeake Bay. "Gobies - Chesapeake Bay Program". www.chesapeakebay.net.
  6. ↑ "Naked Goby". www.edc.uri.edu.
  7. ↑ "Gobies". www.cbl.umces.edu.
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