Tan to gray fish, with mottled splotches along its dorsal side that merge with splotches along its midline. Two distinct, squarish blotches at the base of its caudal (tail) fin. Males will have elongate dorsal-fin spines, long caudal fin with pinkish stripes running horizontally on the upper and lower sides of the fin. Females will have a rounded dorsal fin.
Average Maximum Size:
15 cm (6 in)
Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:
The Lyre Goby can be distinguished from other similarly shaped regional gobies by the presence of both a darkened blotch which extends from the back into the base of the first dorsal fin and two dark markings positioned vertically at the base of the caudal fin. The male Lyre Goby additionally possesses distinctive pink stripes on both the upper and lower portions of the caudal fin.
Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:
Range:
Virginia to northern South America
Habitat:
Mud and grassy bottoms in bays and estuaries. Fresh and brackish water.
