TAXONOMY
Kingdom:Animalia (animals)
Phylum; Chordata (chordates)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-likes)
Family: Gobiidae (Gobies)

Genus/species: Coryphopterus nicholsii

 

DISTRIBUTION/HABITAT: Northern British Columbia to central Baja. Habitat: Subtropical quiet water, usually in sandy areas near rocks. Intertidal to 100 m (260 feet).

 Blackeye Goby3156957770_6f372fc8f5_b

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS: Eye and tip of first dorsal fin black. Large scales. Fleshy ridge extending from area between the eyes to dorsal fin. Pale tan overall with small blue spot below the eye. Max. length: 15 cm (6 inches).

 Blackeye Goby3968321166_3e2284847f_b

DIET IN THE WILD: Small crustaceans and mollusks including amphipods, copepods, isopods, decapods (particularly hermit crabs), snails, and clams.

Blackeye Goby3707835699_7a6d5047ff_b

REPRODUCTION: A protogynous hermaphrodite (born female and change sex to male). Forms permanent harem groups composed of a single male and several smaller females Oviparous, Male cleans spawning site under rock, then attracts female by rising from bottom to display his black pelvic disk. Male guards nest after female lays eggs.

CONSERVATION: Not Evaluated

REMARKS: Defensive strategy is to freeze on the bottom but if a predator comes too close, the goby dashes for safety under a rock or to another protective spot.

References

fishbase www.fishbase.org/summary/3847

eol eol.org/pages/340388/overview

Ron’s flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/cas_docents/3156957770/in/set-72157623764848303/

Ron’s WordPress shortlink  http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-1kp