Dr. Robert A. Patzner, Österreich
Info
Gobius incognitus Kovačić & Šanda, 2016
Gobius incognitus is a goby species native to the Mediterranean Sea. The species name "incognitus" is Latin for "unknown," referring to the long time before this common and widespread goby was recognized and described as a distinct species.
Prior to its description in 2016, it was lumped together with the Bucchich goby (Gobius bucchichi). Much of the information about the Gobius bucchichi that was published up to the description is now considered incorrect identification of the new species Gobius incognitus.
The incognito goby grows to 8-10 cm and feeds on small invertebrates and algae. It lives in shallow coastal waters just below the water surface to a depth of 12 m.
The goby can often be found with the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata, between whose tentacles the goby hides when threatened. Juveniles are typically found in sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus).
The body of Gobius incognitus is quite slender and moderately compressed towards the back. The head is relatively large and depressed. The mouth is oblique and longer than the eye. The basic color of the body is dark (greenish/grey to pale gray) on top and light (pale gray) on the underside. There are rows of dark spots on the body forming broken longitudinal lines. Median longitudinal row of 8–9 larger dark spots extending from pectoral fin to caudal fin base.
In contrast to Gobius bucchichi, in which there are only two rows of dots on the cheeks, with no other dots in between, in Gobius incognitus the dots on the cheeks are irregularly scattered or, if arranged in rows, are additional dots or a third Row of dots present in the middle of the cheek, between the lower row starting at the front corner of the mouth and the upper row touching the ventral edge of the eye (KOVAČIĆ & ŠANDA, 2016)
Gobius incognitus lives in the Mediterranean Sea: north, central and south Adriatic, in the north-west Mediterranean (France, Banyuls-sur-Mer) and in the east Mediterranean on the island of Crete and in Israel. Gobius bucchichi is currently only reported from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea and the northern Ionian Sea (Albania) (KOVAČIĆ &ŠANDA, 2016).
The Gobius incognitus prefers mixed soils. Preferred habitats are "sand and rocks", followed by "gravel and sand" and "rocks with vegetation". The diurnal goby eats a wide variety of, but almost exclusively, benthic invertebrates. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans. Molluscs were hardly eaten. Diets recorded include Amphipoda, Caridea and Tanaidacea. With the exception of Mysida, all recorded prey items are strictly benthic. Overall, the goby has been classified as opportunistic by science on the food spectrum.
There is a possibility of confusion with Gobius bucchichi.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
Gobius incognitus is a goby species native to the Mediterranean Sea. The species name "incognitus" is Latin for "unknown," referring to the long time before this common and widespread goby was recognized and described as a distinct species.
Prior to its description in 2016, it was lumped together with the Bucchich goby (Gobius bucchichi). Much of the information about the Gobius bucchichi that was published up to the description is now considered incorrect identification of the new species Gobius incognitus.
The incognito goby grows to 8-10 cm and feeds on small invertebrates and algae. It lives in shallow coastal waters just below the water surface to a depth of 12 m.
The goby can often be found with the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata, between whose tentacles the goby hides when threatened. Juveniles are typically found in sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus).
The body of Gobius incognitus is quite slender and moderately compressed towards the back. The head is relatively large and depressed. The mouth is oblique and longer than the eye. The basic color of the body is dark (greenish/grey to pale gray) on top and light (pale gray) on the underside. There are rows of dark spots on the body forming broken longitudinal lines. Median longitudinal row of 8–9 larger dark spots extending from pectoral fin to caudal fin base.
In contrast to Gobius bucchichi, in which there are only two rows of dots on the cheeks, with no other dots in between, in Gobius incognitus the dots on the cheeks are irregularly scattered or, if arranged in rows, are additional dots or a third Row of dots present in the middle of the cheek, between the lower row starting at the front corner of the mouth and the upper row touching the ventral edge of the eye (KOVAČIĆ & ŠANDA, 2016)
Gobius incognitus lives in the Mediterranean Sea: north, central and south Adriatic, in the north-west Mediterranean (France, Banyuls-sur-Mer) and in the east Mediterranean on the island of Crete and in Israel. Gobius bucchichi is currently only reported from the eastern part of the Adriatic Sea and the northern Ionian Sea (Albania) (KOVAČIĆ &ŠANDA, 2016).
The Gobius incognitus prefers mixed soils. Preferred habitats are "sand and rocks", followed by "gravel and sand" and "rocks with vegetation". The diurnal goby eats a wide variety of, but almost exclusively, benthic invertebrates. It feeds mainly on small crustaceans. Molluscs were hardly eaten. Diets recorded include Amphipoda, Caridea and Tanaidacea. With the exception of Mysida, all recorded prey items are strictly benthic. Overall, the goby has been classified as opportunistic by science on the food spectrum.
There is a possibility of confusion with Gobius bucchichi.
Jumping guard
A jumping guard prevents (nocturnal) fish from jumping out.
Wrasses, blennies, hawkfishs and gobies jump out of an unprotected tank in fright if their night rest is disturbed, unfortunately these jumpers are found dried up in the morning on carpets, glass edges or later behind the tank.
https://www.korallenriff.de/en/article/1925_5_Jump_Protection_Solutions_for_Fish_in_the_Aquarium__5_Net_Covers.html
A small night light also helps, as it provides the fish with a means of orientation in the dark!
