Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814)

Nomenclature and Common Name

This species, Zosterisessor ophiocephalus (Pallas, 1814), is commonly known as the grass goby.

Maximum Length

Grass gobies can reach a maximum total length of 29.9 cm (11.8 in).

Scale Distribution

Cycloid scales cover the crown of the head, nape, throat, belly, and bases of the pectoral fins, while the gill covers are completely naked.

Abdominal Sucker Characteristics

The abdominal sucker of this species has no blades and does not extend as far as the anus.

Mouth and Skin Traits

Its mandibles are protrusive, and the soft skin is covered in mucus.

Body Base Color and Pattern

The body has a green-brown base color, patterned with overlapping brown spots.

Head Markings

Round light spots are present on the cheeks.

Fin and Sucker Coloration

The dorsal, caudal, and pectoral fins have longitudinal brown stripes set against a light background; the anal fin and abdominal sucker are dark.

Mediterranean Basin Distribution

The species is widespread across the coastal waters of all seas in the Mediterranean basin.

Mediterranean Key Habitats

It is particularly abundant in the northern Adriatic Sea, the Venetian Lagoon, and France’s Sète Lagoon.

Black Sea and Adjacent Water Distribution

It is also common across all coasts of the Black Sea, and is especially concentrated in the north-west’s lagoons and estuaries, Varna and Burgas Bays, the Sea of Azov, and Sivash.