Depth
Deltentosteus · Bony Fish

Four-spotted Goby

Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus

5-90m
Depth Range
10cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
5-90m
Depth Range
10cm
Max Size
Sandy / Muddy
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusDeltentosteus
Speciesquadrimaculatus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationSmall goby with a pale sandy body marked by four distinct dark spots along the base of the dorsal fins. Head is relatively large with high-set eyes.
  • SizeUp to 6 cm total length, commonly 3 to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and territorial, occupying small burrows or depressions in sandy substrates.
  • HabitatSandy and muddy bottoms, often in areas with sparse vegetation or shell debris. Found on the continental shelf.
  • Depth5 to 100 m, most common between 10 and 50 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall benthic invertebrates including worms, tiny crustaceans, and copepods.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionNamed for the row of four dark spots along its dorsal surface, this small goby is a common but easily missed inhabitant of sandy bottoms. It perches on the substrate and darts into its burrow when approached too closely. Divers moving slowly over sandy patches may spot one sitting upright on its pelvic fins.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Lives on sandy and muddy seabeds from shallow coastal waters to around 90 metres. Common in Maltese waters over sandy bays and gently sloping soft substrates.

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

Open sandy and muddy bottoms with minimal vegetation. Often partially buried or resting on the surface of the sediment.

Encounter Tips

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

Four-spotted Goby species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus 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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