Gobius auratus Risso, 1810

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

The golden goby, with the scientific name Gobius auratus, is a goby species belonging to the family Gobiidae that is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea.

Depth Range

This species prefers habitats with rocky substrates, found at depths between 5 and 80 metres (16 to 262 feet), though individuals are not usually found below 30 metres (98 feet).

Habitat Features

These habitats also have abundant growth of algae and gorgonians.

Size

The maximum total length this species can reach is 10 centimetres (3.9 inches).

Human Use

Golden gobies are available in the aquarium trade.

Taxonomic Revision

Populations of similar gobies in the eastern Atlantic and western Mediterranean, which were previously classified as Gobius auratus, are now recognized under the separate name Gobius xanthocephalus.