Black-spotted goby
📖 Overview
Black-spotted goby (Istigobius nigroocellatus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Gobiidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in benthic environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 6.5 cm. It occurs at depths between 2 and 10 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 9 - 11; Vertebrae: 26. Upper pectoral fin rays entire. 3 spots forming a `V' on caudal base; black spot basally between dorsal spines V-VI; pectoral base, cheek and operculum with many dusky melanophores; pelvic fins black. Longitudinal black bar off distal part of upper jaw. Trunk scales ctenoid, predorsal cycloid. In male, anal fin dusky and when appressed, reaching or almost reaching caudal fin, appressed dorsal fin overlapping caudal fin. In female, appressed anal and dorsal fins extending within 1-2 scales from caudal ; longitudinal scale series 30-32; depth of body 4.8-5.8 in SL .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Black-spotted goby is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Genital papilla of male pigmented, terminating to side of anal spine. Female genital papilla slightly pigmented, truncate, and terminating well before anal fin origin.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; depth range 2 - 10 m . Tropical; 20°N - 35°S Indian Ocean: Western Australia and Northern Territory, Australia.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Black-spotted goby is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 230 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Black-spotted goby has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gobius nigroocellatus | Günther | 1873 | Synonym |
| Innoculus nigroocellatus | Günther | 1873 | Synonym |
| Istigobius nigrocellus | Günther | 1873 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Black-spotted goby.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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