Microgobius thalassinus - Whats My Bait

Green Goby

Microgobius thalassinus

Description:

Body small and elongate, tapers to a rounded lanceolate tail, may appear light-gray/brown mixed with bright green/yellow-green with a hint of iridescence. Bright light-blue near belly. Two bright blue-green stripes marking the cheeks below the eye. Females may exhibit a yellow-gold head and may have a dark red spot on the first dorsal and no spots on anal fins. Males exhibit red-orange dorsal and pelvic fins with spots on both the dorsal and anal fins. Multiple vertical iridescent blue bars on sides of the body under the first dorsal and has black spots on border of anal fin. Both sexes exhibit a yellow or translucent stripe lengthwise across both dorsal fins, upper and central rays of tail fin are red/orangeUpturned mouth, and no lateral line. Typically reach up to 1.5 inches but larger specimens observed to reach 2.5 inches.

Average Maximum Size:

5 cm. (2 in.)

Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:

The male and female Green Goby exhibit some differences in appearance such as a red dorsal fin marking on females and blue barred patterning and small dark spots along the edge of the anal fin in males. The Green Goby can be distinguished from the Highfin Goby, Violet Goby, and Emerald Goby by the relative shortness of its caudal fin and comparatively compact body. In contrast to the Naked Goby, Freshwater Goby, Seaboard Goby, Frillfin Goby, and Lyre Goby the caudal fin of the Green Goby tapers to an angular point rather than a rounded one.

Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:

Range:

Maryland to Gulf of Mexico

Habitat:

Found in shallow coastal waters with soft sandy and muddy bottom, around oyster beds, tide pools, and mangroves.

Notes:

Regulated Species:

Regulations Website:

Species: Microgobius thalassinus

Family: Gobiidae

Family Description: Goby

Mouth Type: Superior