How big is the Goldspot goby?

Goldspot goby (Gnatholepis thompsoni) reaches 4–7 cm in length.

At what depth can you find the Goldspot goby?

Goldspot goby is found between 1–45 m deep.

What is the conservation status of the Goldspot goby?

IUCN status: Least concern (LC).

Where can you find the Goldspot goby?

Found in: Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Goldspot goby (Gnatholepis thompsoni)

Key facts

Scientific name: Gnatholepis thompsoni
Common name: Goldspot goby
Category: Fish
Family: Gobiidae
Genus: Gnatholepis
Size: 4–7 cm
Depth: 1–45 m
IUCN status: Least concern (LC)
Danger level: Harmless
Habitats: sand, seagrass
Behaviours: solitary
Ocean zones: Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific

Description

Gnatholepis thompsoni reaches 7 cm. Small goby with beige to cream body with five distinctive rectangular dark spots along flanks and distinctive yellow-orange spot under eye. Lives from 1 to 45 m on sand and seagrass of Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. Resting on bottom or on rocks, rapid retraction into burrows. Recently introduced to eastern Mediterranean by Lessepsian migration. Discreet macro photo subject. Very common but often ignored.

Photo of Goldspot goby

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Goldspot goby?: Goldspot goby (Gnatholepis thompsoni) reaches 4–7 cm in length.
At what depth can you find the Goldspot goby?: Goldspot goby is found between 1–45 m deep.
Is the Goldspot goby dangerous to divers?: Danger level: Harmless.
What is the conservation status of the Goldspot goby?: IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
Where can you find the Goldspot goby?: Found in: Caribbean, Macaronesia, Eastern Pacific.

Other species in the family Gobiidae

Sources

Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 277493)
Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2378717)
Conservation: IUCN Red List
Encyclopedia: Wikipedia