Ctenogobius smaragdus - Whats My Bait

Emerald Goby

Ctenogobius smaragdus

Description:

Elongate and compressed body that tapers down to a lanceolate tail. Body may appear a pale tan, brown/tan, or silver-tan, which fades to silver or white at the belly. Thin dark stripes may be observed on the dorsal and pectoral fins. Has small dark-ringed green spots scattered across the sides of the body. It also has 4-5 square/rectangular-shaped dark spots/patches along the sides of the body and ends at the base of the tail fin. A dark spot on the gill plate above the base of the pectoral fin may also be observed. Male emerald gobies have an elongated third dorsal fin ray and a longer lanceolate tail fin.

Average Maximum Size:

10 cm (4 in)

Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Emerald Goby can be distinguished from the Freshwater Goby, Frillfin Goby, Green Goby, Naked Goby, and Seaboard Goby by its notably elongated lanceolate caudal fin. The Emerald Goby's pattern consists of ringed small greenish spots, midline and dorsal blotches, and a dark shoulder marking above the base of the pectoral fin. The Violet Goby and Highfin Goby which share the Emerald Goby's lanceolate caudal fin shape can be discerned by differences in body patterning. The Violet Goby is marked by a repeating pattern of dark vertical chevron markings and the Highfin Goby possesses a large ocellated spot below its first dorsal fin and another pronounced dark spot at the base of its caudal fin.

Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:

Range:

North Carolina to Brazil.

Habitat:

Found in shallow salt and brackish coastal waters with soft sandy and muddy bottoms. They prefer turbid waters with submerged vegetation such as weeds, algae, and mangroves.

Notes:

Regulated Species:

Regulations Website:

Species: Ctenogobius smaragdus

Family: Gobiidae

Family Description: Goby

Mouth Type: Terminal

Tail Type: Lanceolate

Dorsal Type: Split