from The Uncommon Guide to Common Life on Narragansett Bay

NAKED GOBY

Gobiosoma bosci

Gobies are bottom-dwelling fish resembling small lizards.  They have large eyes that are set close together on the top of their heads.  Gobies are distinguishable by having a round tail, two separate dorsal fins, and fused pelvic fins.  These pelvic fins act as suction cups and are used to cling to rocks and shells.  The naked goby is a small fish that inhabits areas in and around shell and rock communities.  Having no scales, they are aptly named “naked” goby and are smooth to the touch.

The goby family has more species than any other family of fish, with more than 2,000 varieties accounted for in the world’s oceans.  Most of these species live in tropical waters, but several are found in temperate waters of the North Atlantic.  Of all the temperate species of goby, the naked goby is the most abundant in the Bay.  Although significant numbers of gobies are in the Bay, they are generally solitary and reclusive animals.

Gobies inhabit shallow marshes, mud flats, and oyster reefs, often hiding inside empty but still-hinged clam and oyster shells.  Female gobies lay their eggs inside dead oyster shells and leave the male to guard the nest until the eggs hatch.

The naked goby feeds on worms and amphipods and is preyed upon by eels, sand shrimp, and larger fish.  In the winter, the goby becomes sluggish, ceasing to feed or swim, and seeks shelter from predators.

Not commercially valuable due to its small size and solitary behavior, the goby generally escapes human interest.  However, they often use human discards such as cans, bottles and tires as artificial safe havens from predators.  It is common to find this small fish inside cans and bottles thrown into the Bay as well as in oyster and clam shells.

Many species of goby are popular as aquarium fish.  Some species are brightly colored, while others are transparent.  Certain species of gobies are known as cleaners and actively remove parasites from larger fish.