Animal Species:Groovecheek Goby, Nesogobius sp. 4
As its common name suggests, the Groovecheek Goby has a groove behind both preopercles. The species is endemic to Australia.
Groovecheek Goby, Nesogobius sp. 4
Erik Schlögl
© Erik Schlögl
Identification
As its common name suggests, the Groovecheek Goby has a groove behind both preopercles. Adults are usually translucent above, with scattered brown and orange spots on the back and sides. The ventral surface is white. There are oblique yellow to orange stripes across the cheeks and a brown spot on the upper base of the pectoral fins.
Size range
The species grows to 5 cm in length.
Distribution
It is endemic to Australia occurring, from the central coast of New South Wales, south to the central Victorian coast. It has also been recorded from Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Rottnest Island, south-western Western Australia.
The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.
Distribution by collection data
Ozcam map of Groovecheek Goby specimens in the Australian Museum.
Habitat
The species is endemic to Australia, occurring at depths from 2 m to 20 m, often on sandy substrates off beaches.
Classification
- Species:
- sp. 4
- Genus:
- Nesogobius
- Family:
- Gobiidae
- Order:
- Perciformes
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Hoese, D.F. & H.K. Larson in Gomon, M.F., Glover, C.J.M. & R.H. Kuiter (Eds). 1994. The Fishes of Australia's South Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Pp. 992.
Mark McGrouther
, Collection Manager, Ichthyology
Last Updated:
Tags Fishes, Ichthyology, Groovecheek Goby, Nesogobius sp. 4, Gobiidae, translucent, brown, orange, spots, white, < 5 cm, soft substrate, oblique yellow to orange stripes across cheeks,