Aphia
Aphia is a genus of marine fish belonging to the family Gobiidae, commonly known as gobies. These fish are small, often colorful, and play an important role in the marine ecosystem. Aphia species are found in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the eastern Atlantic Ocean. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including rocky reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandy bottoms.
Common Names
Aphia species are commonly known as "sand gobies" due to their preference for sandy habitats. Some species are also known as "dwarf gobies" because of their small size.
Characteristics
Aphia species are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies, with a slightly compressed head. They have a small mouth with a protruding lower jaw. The dorsal fin is composed of two distinct parts, the first being a short, spiny fin and the second being a long, soft-rayed fin. They also have a small, rounded caudal fin.
Aphia species typically exhibit a wide range of colors, including brown, green, yellow, and orange. They can also have distinctive patterns on their bodies, such as stripes or spots.
Environment
Aphia species are demersal fish, meaning they live close to the bottom of the ocean. They are typically found in shallow waters, but can also be found at depths of up to 100 meters.
Aphia species are known for their burrowing habits, often living in burrows in the sand or among rocks. They are also known to be relatively inactive fish, spending much of their time hiding in their burrows.