Goatfish and Gobies of the Florida Keys

Goatfish and Gobies

By Bryce Shields

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Active Color Phase


Active Color Phase

A row of three dark rectangular blotches is visible when fish is in active color phase.


Active Color Phase


Two barbels under tip of Chin


Active Color Phase



Inactive Color Phase


Active Color Phase



Inactive Color Phase

Spotted Goatfish


Yellow tail and midbody stripe



Two barbels under tip of chin



Two barbels under tip of chin

Yellow Goatfish


Traditional


White “bridle” usually runs from rear of mouth to edge of gill cover

Traditional



Almost transparent body displaying only a few “X’s” and dusky bar on base of tail;

note only an obscure white “bridle” marking is presentTraditional





Dusky translucent body displaying numerous brownish “X’s”, dark streak behind eye and two dusky spots on base of tail; note bright white “bridle” marking from mouth to gill cover





Dusky translucent body displaying numerous brownish “X’s”, dark streak behind eye and two dusky spots on base of tail; note bright white “bridle” marking from mouth to gill cover

Bridled Goby


One dark bar runs from top of head across eye and

down cheek



down cheek

Gold spot outlined in black above pectoral fin (not

obvious in some individuals)



down cheek

Gold spot outlined in black above pectoral fin (not

obvious in some individuals)

Goldspot Goby


Series of small white rectangles on lateral line


Series of small white rectangles on lateral line

Masked/Glass Goby


Electric blue body stripe runs from front of each eye to base of tail


Electric blue body stripe runs from front of each eye to base of tail

Neon Goby


Brilliant yellow “V” on snout fades into pale body

stripes


Brilliant yellow “V” on snout fades into pale body

stripes

Cleaning Goby


Goatfish and Gobies of the Florida Keys

Education

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