About Gobiusculus flavescens (Fabricius, 1779)
Gobiusculus flavescens, previously classified as Pomatoschistus flavescens, are small, slender gobies that reach a maximum length of 6 centimeters. They differ from other gobies because their eyes are positioned laterally, on the sides of the head, rather than dorsally, on top of the head. The species has a black spot at the base of the tail fin; males of the species have a second, smaller black spot beneath the pectoral fins. Their body color ranges from reddish to greenish brown, with paler coloring on the undersides and dark reticulated patterns on the dorsal side. Four light saddle-shaped markings run along the dorsal side from the head to the end of the second dorsal fin. A series of bluish markings appear along the midline of the fish's sides. During the breeding season, these bluish markings become extremely bright in males. This species favors habitats with abundant weed growth. It can be found on overgrown structures, and in beds of Laminaria or Zostera. It inhabits intertidal pools and shallow water, and occurs down to a depth of 20 meters.
