About Pomatoschistus microps (Krøyer, 1838)
This species, the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), has two dorsal fins separated by a narrow gap. The anterior dorsal fin contains six to eight spines, while the posterior dorsal fin holds eight to eleven soft rays. Its pelvic fins are fused. There are 39 to 51 scales along the lateral line, and these scales are slightly larger than the scales of the closely related sand goby, Pomatoschistus minutus. The caudal fin of the common goby is rounded. Males have a prominent dark spot on the anterior dorsal fin, along with dark markings at the base of the pectoral fins and at the base of the caudal fin. Outside of distinct markings, the common goby’s base body color is light grey or sandy brown, with indistinct dark body markings and dark striations across its pale fins. During the breeding season, the male’s overall color darkens, and his fins become more intensely colored. The common goby has an average body length of 4 to 5 cm (1.6 to 2.0 in), and reaches a maximum length of around 9 cm (3.5 in).
