About Gobius incognitus Kovačić & Sanda, 2016
Nomenclature and Native Range
Gobius incognitus, commonly called the incognito goby or anemone goby, is a species of goby that is native to the Mediterranean Sea, and may also occur in the Black Sea.
Etymology of Specific Epithet
Its specific epithet incognitus means "unknown" in Latin, a reference to the long period of time that passed before this common, widespread species was formally recognized and described.
Historical Taxonomic Confusion
Before this species was described, it was confused with Bucchich's goby (G. bucchichi), which is now thought to only live in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and possibly the Black Sea. A large amount of previously published information that was attributed to Bucchich's goby is now accepted to actually refer to the incognito goby.
Adult Size
Full-grown incognito gobies usually reach a total length of 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in).
Diet
This species feeds on small invertebrates and algae.
Depth Range and Habitat
Incognito gobies live on the seabed, ranging from shallow water down to a depth of 12 meters (39 feet).
Association with Sea Anemones
They are often found living in association with the sea anemone Anemonia sulcata, and will hide among the anemone's tentacles when threatened.
Juvenile Habitat Association
Juvenile incognito gobies are most often found associated with sea urchins.
