The Bucchich’s Goby, scientifically known as Gobius bucchichi, is a small, intriguing fish species that dwells in the depths of the Mediterranean Sea.
Description & Characteristics
Reaching a maximum size of 10.0 cm, the Bucchich’s Goby exhibits a typical goby body shape, characterized by a slender and elongated form. Its color is a vibrant blend of browns, with hints of black and white. These markings, along with its subtle coloration, make it adept at blending into its surroundings.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Bucchich’s Goby, Gobius bucchichi, is commonly found in shallow coastal waters, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea. It prefers habitats with rocky substrates, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms. This adaptability allows Gobius bucchichi to thrive in a variety of environments, often occurring in depths ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 meters. Due to its preference for these habitats, it is considered a representative of the neritic zone, which encompasses the shallow waters near the coastline.
Taxonomy
The species Gobius bucchichi belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Gobiiformes, and Family: Gobiidae. This classification places it within the diverse and widespread group of gobies, renowned for their unique adaptations and ecological roles.
Feeding
The Bucchich’s Goby is a carnivorous species with a varied diet. Its feeding habits include consuming a diverse array of organisms, ranging from small crustaceans like copepods and amphipods to larger invertebrates. Other food sources include algae, brine shrimps, daphnia salina, flakes, frozen food (large sort), mysis, zoobenthos, and zooplankton. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows Gobius bucchichi to thrive in environments with varying food availability.
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