Two Spot Goby

Male Two Spot Goby

The Two Spot Goby, Gobiusculus flavescens, makes an excellent aquarium fish; it a small peaceful goby that is active & is in almost constant motion. It grows to about 4cm, the males in are very attractive with  iridescent blue markings particularly at breeding time. Only the males appear to have the two spots, one just in-front of the tail & the other above the pectoral fin. The males guard the eggs until they hatch; I have not found any fry in the aquarium as they are presumably eaten by the other inhabitants. They are short lived, living for around two years.

Male showing breeding colours.

Female with only one spot in-front of tail.

Male guarding eggs.

Osmington in December

Tide receding on a warm December day.

Had a trip to Osmington in Dorset, it was a mild December day at around 9 degrees.

The water temperature was 12 degrees.

The rock pools here vary from close to the shoreline with just rocks & boulders to further out being well inhabited with colourful varieties of seaweeds, see underwater video.

We found Hermit Crabs, Rockling, Shannys, Blennies, Strawberry Anemones, Beadlet Anemones, Gem Anemones, Snakelock Anemones, Cornish Sucker Fish, Worm Pipe Fish, Sea Slaters, Edible Crabs, Shore Crabs, Porcelian Crabs, Hippolyte varians Shrimps, Prawns & Chitons. 

One of two Cornish Sucker fish found.

Shanny

Rock Goby

Strawberry Anemone

Rock Goby

Gem Anemone

Trip to Poole, Dorset, Fish found.

Using an aquascope for a better view.

The first trip to Poole in Dorset, was on the 10th September to study the sea life in & around Poole Harbour. Several different fishes were seen, including Wrasse, Blennies, Gobies, Shannies & Sand Smelt.

Ballan Wrasse

Tompot Blenny

Shanny

Two types of Gobie were found, Sand & Two Spot Gobies. Several small specimens were collected for further study in our cold water marine aquarium.

Two Spot & Sand Gobies

For information how to set up a cold water marine aquarium click for link here.
Cold Water Marine Aquarium