Microgobius gulosus
(Girard 1858)
Family Gobiidae
The clown goby is a member of the goby family. It has an elongate body that tapers posteriorly to the caudal penduncle, and a large head with a strongly projecting lower jaw. There are dark brown blotches on the tan to gray head and body, and a white stripe across the cheek. There is an iridescent white bar below the first dorsal fin, and the pelvic fins are united. Males are generally larger and females – typically smaller – have spotted fins. The clown goby is a marine species that inhabits primarily low-energy tidal zones, sometimes vegetated and with sand or mud substrates. These environments can include bays, tidal creeks, canals, ditches and coastal rivers.
Status & distribution
- Status — Marine invader
- Florida Distribution — Western and North Central drainages, the Gulf Coast, South Florida and the Atlantic Coast