Family Gobiidae - gobies
Gobies are a large family of bottom dwelling fishes having their pelvic fins uniquely modified into a tubular cup or disk. Most gobies occur in tropical waters over soft bottoms or coral reefs. Many have brilliant colorations and can change color and pattern.
Arrow goby- Clevelandia ios
Remarks: Common in the bay but observed only by individuals investigating channel bottoms and mud flats. During low tides the arrow goby will retreat to a burrow in the substrate until the tide changes.
Identification: Two separate soft rayed dorsal fins; the second dorsal fin is three times longer than the first. The pelvic fins have fused and form a cup. Anal fin is the same size as the second dorsal fin and in males contains a dark horizontal band. The jaw extends past the eye and the body reaches 5.7cm. Coloration is olive or tan with black and white specks above leading to a white underside.
Range: British Columbia to north central Baja California; common over soft bottoms near shore, estuaries and inlets.
Blackeye goby- Coryphoterus nicholsi
Remarks: Prefers the sandy channels and resides in rocky crevices. Remains on or near the bottom eating small crustaceans and detritus.
Identification: Two separate soft rayed dorsal fins with the anal fin equal in size and directly below the second dorsal fin. Flesh around the eye, tip of first dorsal fin and the pelvic disk are black. Body is tan with darker speckling and paler below to a length of 15cm.
Range: Northern British Columbia to central Baja preferring calm waters to 106m.
Tidewater goby- Eucyclogobius newberryi
Remarks: Occasionally found in the bay's inlets, channels and mud flats, however it is considered to be an endangered species.
Identification: Two pores are located between widely spaced eyes. The second dorsal fin has longer rays than the first dorsal fin. Anal fin is directly below and identical to the second dorsal fin. The jaw extends to the end of the eye. Pelvic fins are fused forming a disk. Upper body brown and mottled with a white belly. Length is to 5.7cm.
Range: Del Mar to Del Norte County California. Inhabits coastal areas having a soft substrate to freshwater environments.
Bay Goby- Lepidogobius lepidus
Remarks: One of the most abundant species all year in the bay residing in the deeper channels. Remains on or near the bottom in search of food.
Identification: Two soft rayed dorsal fins with a gap between them equal to the first dorsal fin. Tip of the first dorsal is black. Anal fin is directly under and identical to the second dorsal fin. Body is tan with darker blotches to a length of 10cm.
Range: British Columbia to central Baja over soft bottoms to 201m.