Depth
Gobius · Bony Fish

Bellotti's Goby

Gobius ater

0-15m
Depth Range
8cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-15m
Depth Range
8cm
Max Size
Rocky / Algal
Habitat
Micro-invertivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusGobius
Speciesater

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall, dark-coloured goby with a broad, flattened head. Body is brownish-black to dark grey with faint lighter markings. Eyes are positioned high on the head.
  • SizeUp to 7 cm total length. One of the smaller Mediterranean gobies.
  • Social HabitSolitary and territorial. Occupies small crevices and holes in rocky substrate.
  • HabitatRocky bottoms, often in sheltered areas with algal cover. Prefers dimly lit microhabitats such as overhangs and cave entrances.
  • Depth1 to 40 m, typically found in the shallower range.
  • Feeds OnTiny invertebrates including amphipods, copepods, and small worms.
  • DistributionEndemic to the Mediterranean Sea, recorded across its central and western basins.
  • DescriptionA small, cryptic goby that blends into dark rocky surfaces. It rarely ventures far from its chosen shelter and is easily overlooked on dives. Despite its small size, it is fiercely territorial and will defend its crevice against other small fish.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found among rocks and dense algal cover in the shallow subtidal zone, from the waterline to around 15 metres. Present along Maltese rocky shores and harbour walls.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Algae-covered rocks, boulder fields, and the base of rocky walls in sheltered shallow water.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Bellotti's Goby species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Gobius ater may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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