Depth
Zebrus · Bony Fish

Zebra Goby

Zebrus zebrus

0 - 15 m
Depth Range
6 cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0 - 15 m
Depth Range
6 cm
Max Size
Rocky Shores
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusZebrus
Specieszebrus

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationTiny goby with a pale body crossed by 8 to 10 narrow dark vertical bars giving a zebra-like pattern. Head is rounded with large eyes.
  • SizeUp to 5.5 cm total length, commonly 3 to 4 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary and highly cryptic. Stays very close to rocky substrate.
  • HabitatRocky subtidal areas with abundant algal cover and crevices. Found in sheltered spots among boulders.
  • Depth0 to 30 m, most common in the first 15 m.
  • Feeds OnTiny invertebrates including copepods and amphipods found among algal turf.
  • DistributionMediterranean Sea and adjacent Atlantic coast from Portugal to Morocco.
  • DescriptionNamed for its striking zebra-stripe pattern, this tiny goby is one of the more visually distinctive small fish on Mediterranean rocky reefs. Despite its bold markings, it is rarely seen by divers due to its small size and habit of tucking into crevices.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Inhabits very shallow rocky shores from the waterline to about 15 m depth across the Mediterranean. Strongly associated with rocky substrates in the upper infralittoral zone, often in exposed locations with some wave action.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

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

Detail

Preferred Environment

Shallow rocky shores and rock pools with cobbles and boulders. Often found in very shallow water, including the first few metres below the surface. Prefers areas with crevices and small overhangs for shelter.

Encounter Tips

Snorkel or shallow dive along rocky coastlines. Search among rocks and under small overhangs in the shallows. The distinctive barred pattern makes identification straightforward once the fish is spotted.

Zebra Goby species card

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Zebrus zebrus 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
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide