Depth
Gobius · Bony Fish

Roule's Goby

Gobius roulei

5 - 40 m
Depth Range
8 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
5 - 40 m
Depth Range
8 cm
Max Size
Rocky / Sandy
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Low
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusGobius
Speciesroulei

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationMedium-sized goby with an elongated body. Sandy to brown coloration with a series of darker saddle markings along the back. Relatively pointed head.
  • SizeUp to 10 cm total length, commonly 6 to 8 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and cryptic. Rests on sandy patches near rocky cover.
  • HabitatMixed sandy and rocky bottoms, often at the base of reef structures or boulder fields.
  • Depth5 to 50 m, most common between 10 and 30 m.
  • Feeds OnSmall benthic invertebrates including crustaceans and worms.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coasts from Portugal to Morocco.
  • DescriptionA moderately sized goby that is one of the more frequently encountered species on Mediterranean mixed substrates. It perches on sandy patches near reef edges and can be approached quite closely before darting for cover.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Inhabits rocky and mixed rocky-sandy bottoms from 5 to 40 m depth across the Mediterranean. Often found at the interface between rock and sand substrates, sheltering among small stones and gravel patches.

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

Mixed rocky and sandy substrates in the sublittoral zone. Commonly found among gravel, shell debris, and small rock patches on otherwise sandy seabeds. Prefers areas with moderate water movement.

Encounter Tips

Search the transition zones between rock and sand at 10 to 30 m depth. This species rests on the substrate and can be overlooked due to its effective camouflage against mixed bottoms.

Roule's Goby species card

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Gobius roulei 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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