''Gobiosoma bosc'' (naked goby) is a fish named for its lack of scales. This is a true

goby The Gobioidei are a suborder of percomorph fish. Many of these fishes are called gobies. It is by far the largest and most diverse order within the order Gobiiformes, and one of the most diverse groups of ray-finned fish in general. The subord ...

; it is part of the

genus Genus (; : genera ) is a taxonomic rank above species and below family (taxonomy), family as used in the biological classification of extant taxon, living and fossil organisms as well as Virus classification#ICTV classification, viruses. In bino ...

'' Gobiosoma''.

Description

The naked goby is usually less than 2 inches in length and lacks scales. The pelvic fins of the naked goby are linked together by a membrane, fitting the purpose of a sucker-like disk. The fin also reaches a point between the base and the anus. It ranges in color from a pale yellow to a murky brown, and is variably marked along its body with nine to ten vertical bars, which may not be visible in individuals with very light or dark body coloration.

Distribution and habitat

Generally, naked gobies live in

estuaries An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and maritime environm ...

and coastal waters. It is noted that naked gobies may bury themselves in bottom sediments in the winter. The naked goby is found in the Western Atlantic from Connecticut to Mexico. It lives almost exclusively in habitats with brackish water. Younger members of the species are commonly found in estuaries south of New Jersey and only sporadically in estuaries north of New Jersey.

Reproduction

They tend to reproduce from May to November. They are oviparous, meaning that they lay eggs. The females are known to lay their eggs in empty oyster shells. It is then up to the males to guard the eggs until they hatch. After they hatch, the free swimming larvae may migrate upstream and school over oyster reefs before settling. The lifespan of this fish is approximately 4 years.

Feeding

With a terminal mouth and being bottom dwelling fish they are known to eat worms and small crustaceans. However, it has been seen that they are attracted to injured or dead oysters. Food energy content: 4.714 cal/g

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q2545971 bosc Fish described in 1800