Common goby (Pomatoschistus microps)

Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.Map Help

Summary

Description

The common goby is a small goby growing up to 6 cm in length. The top of the head, nape and throat are scaleless. It is grey or sandy in colour, often with darker blotches across the back and faint marks along the side of the body. There is also a dark area at the base of the pectoral fins and tail fin.

Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland

The common goby is found along all British and Irish coasts.

Global distribution

Its worldwide distribution extends from the Baltic Sea, western Norway to the western Mediterranean.

Habitat

Pomatoschistus microps is an extremely abundant fish in Britain. It is often found in tide-pools, estuaries, salt marshes and brackish land-locked lagoons. Although the common goby prefers open water areas of bare muddy or sandy sediment, it is often found amongst dense vegetation.

Depth range

Down to 11 m.

Identifying features

  • The anterior dorsal fin has 6 spines.
  • The posterior dorsal has 1 spine and 8-10 rays.
  • Pelvic fins are united to form a crescent-shaped disc.
  • Eyes are large and positioned high on the side of the head.
  • Upper rays of pectoral fins are not free distally.

Additional information

Pomatoschistus microps was once confused with the sand goby Pomatoschistus minutus but the common goby has a dark mark at the top of the base of the pectoral fin (Dipper, 2001). Pomatoschistus microps is a very abundant fish able to tolerate a wide range of salinity. However, it prefers low salinity areas. It resides throughout the British Isles in estuaries, saltmarshes, along the coastline and in intertidal pools. Its worldwide distribution extends from the Baltic Sea, western Norway to the western Mediterranean. The common goby migrates downstream, or into shallow waters, mainly at the onset of the breeding season, in spring.

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Biology review

Taxonomy

LevelScientific nameCommon name
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
OrderGobiiformes
FamilyGobiidae
GenusPomatoschistus
Authority(Krøyer, 1838)
Recent Synonyms

Biology

ParameterData
Typical abundanceHigh density
Male size range11-64mm
Male size at maturityca 30 -40mm
Female size rangeca 30 -40mm
Female size at maturity
Growth formPisciform
Growth rate0.16 -0.27mm/day
Body flexibilityHigh (greater than 45 degrees)
Mobility
Characteristic feeding methodPredator
Diet/food source
Typically feeds onAmphipods, isopods, polychaetes and chironomid larvae.
Sociability
Environmental positionDemersal
DependencyIndependent.
SupportsNone
Is the species harmful?No

Biology information

The common goby is an important food source for both birds and larger fish. Adults feed at the surface of the sediment on amphipods, isopods, polychaetes and chironomid larvae, while the juveniles' diet consists largely of interstitial copepods.

Pomatoschistus microps matures early and has a short lifespan. Doornbos & Twisk (1987) reported a growth rate of 0.16 -0.27 mm/day. Its maximum age was found to be between 19 and 26 months in the Atlantic (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998; Miller, 1986; Miller, 1975), with most adults dying in the second autumn of life (Miller, 1975). In the Mediterranean the lifespan is reported as between 12 and 14 months (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998). The common goby is small, measuring up to 64 mm on British coasts (Jones and Miller, 1966) and 53 mm in the Mediterranean (Bouchereau et al., 1989).

Habitat preferences

ParameterData
Physiographic preferencesOpen coast, Estuary, Isolated saline water (Lagoon), Enclosed coast or Embayment
Biological zone preferencesSublittoral fringe
Substratum / habitat preferencesCoarse clean sand, Fine clean sand, Gravel / shingle, Mixed, Mud, Muddy sand, Pebbles, Rockpools, Salt marsh, Sandy mud
Tidal strength preferences
Wave exposure preferencesExtremely sheltered, Moderately exposed, Sheltered, Very sheltered
Salinity preferencesLow (<18 psu), Reduced (18-30 psu), Variable (18-40 psu)
Depth rangeDown to 11 m.
Other preferences
Migration PatternSeasonal (environment), Seasonal (reproduction)

Habitat Information

Pomatoschistus microps is a migratory fish, except where natural or man-made barriers prevent this. In the Atlantic the common goby can migrate for spawning, moving inshore for the breeding season, or to avoid low salinities (Miller, 1975) and temperatures (Nyman, 1953; Jones & Miller, 1966; Araujo et al., 2000).

It can be found down to 11 m in depth but normally occurs at < 1 m. It may also follow the incoming tide up over mudflats. Along the coastline it moves into warmer, deeper water for the duration of winter (Barnes, 1994), in particular when sea temperatures drop below 5 °C, but not where minimum sea temperature is above 7 °C (Miller, 1975).

The common goby lives in estuary channels where current flow can be considerable. In estuaries the it migrates downstream during the breeding season and also with the onset of maturation (Miller, 1975). In the Mediterranean they tend to be less mobile.

Life history

Adult characteristics

ParameterData
Reproductive typeGonochoristic (dioecious)
Reproductive frequency Annual protracted
Fecundity (number of eggs)100-1,000
Generation time1-2 years
Age at maturity7 months to a year
SeasonApril - September
Life span1-2 years

Larval characteristics

ParameterData
Larval/propagule type-
Larval/juvenile development Oviparous
Duration of larval stage2-10 days
Larval dispersal potential Greater than 10 km
Larval settlement periodInsufficient information

Life history information

Longevity was reported as 1.6 to 2 years (Miller, 1986). Common gobies breed in their first year of life, becoming sexually mature at approximately 7 months to one year old (Miller, 1986). They attach their eggs onto the upper surface of the interior of an empty bivalve shell, preferring that of Mya arenaria. The male guards the nest and fans the eggs with his tail, to oxygenate them while they are developing.
In the Atlantic, reproduction is protracted (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998; Rogers, 1989) and in the Mediterranean it is contracted (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998). The breeding season in south west Britain is from mid-April to August/September (Miller, 1986; Rogers, 1989) and between May and July in the Mediterranean (Bouchereau et al., 1989). The common goby spawns at temperatures between 10 and 20 °C (Fonds & van Buurt, 1974).
The common goby has a high individual fecundity and multiple spawning. Rogers (1988) observed 10 batches of eggs in a 16 week breeding season, while Miller (1979) and Bouchereau & Guelorget (1998) observed between 9 and 11 in an entire breeding season. Fecundity was noted to be between 650 and 3,400 by Miller (1986) and between 460 and 2,030 by Bouchereau et al. (1989).
Pampoulie et al. (2000) observed the effects of a drastic and prolonged decrease in salinity, from ca 14 to 5 g/l in less than a week, sustained for approximately four years, and an increase in turbidity due to a centennial flood in the Rhone river. It was reported that these conditions led to an increase in the fecundity per spawning act and egg size of the population. Eggs and larvae of the common goby survive well at salinities as low as 5 psu (Fonds, 1973).

Sensitivity reviewHow is sensitivity assessed?

Physical pressures

Use / to open/close text displayed

 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Substratum loss [Show more]

Substratum loss

Benchmark. All of the substratum occupied by the species or biotope under consideration is removed. A single event is assumed for sensitivity assessment. Once the activity or event has stopped (or between regular events) suitable substratum remains or is deposited. Species or community recovery assumes that the substratum within the habitat preferences of the original species or community is present. Further details

Evidence

Pomatoschistus microps lives and forages on a variety of substrata. It requires rockpools in the intertidal to survive at low tide. Therefore, loss of rockpools (for instance by infilling) or loss of substrata (for instance by spoil dumping or land claim) will most likely cause a proportion of the species population to die. However, at high tide, or where the movement of fish is not restricted, adults are sufficiently mobile and will be able to recolonize areas which contain suitable substrata. Intolerance is therefore recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is likely to be high (see additional information section below).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Smothering [Show more]

Smothering

Benchmark. All of the population of a species or an area of a biotope is smothered by sediment to a depth of 5 cm above the substratum for one month. Impermeable materials, such as concrete, oil, or tar, are likely to have a greater effect. Further details.

Evidence

Pomatoschistus microps will not be affected by smothering as they are mobile and able to swim away. Cordone & Kelley (1961) reported that (in a freshwater habitat) deposition of sediment on the bottom of the substratum would destroy needed shelter, reduce the availability of food, impair growth and lower the survival rate of eggs and larvae of fish. It is likely that Pomatoschistus microps would be more intolerant if smothering occurred during the breeding season due to the probable destruction of broods of eggs. Materials such as concrete, oil or tar are likely to have a greater negative impact on the population. Intolerance to smothering is recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is likely to be high (see additional information section below).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Increase in suspended sediment [Show more]

Increase in suspended sediment

Benchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details

Evidence

Moore (1977) indicated that an increase in siltation can have a negative effect on the growth of adult fish, survival of eggs and larvae and pathological effects on gill epithelia. Juveniles have been reported as being more intolerant of siltation than adults (Moore, 1977). Bottom-dwelling species are generally found to be tolerant of suspended solids (Moore, 1977). Pampoulie et al. (2000) reported the fecundity and egg size increased with increased turbidity. Therefore, intolerance to siltation has been recorded as low. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low
Decrease in suspended sediment [Show more]

Decrease in suspended sediment

Benchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Desiccation [Show more]

Desiccation

  1. A normally subtidal, demersal or pelagic species including intertidal migratory or under-boulder species is continuously exposed to air and sunshine for one hour.
  2. A normally intertidal species or community is exposed to a change in desiccation equivalent to a change in position of one vertical biological zone on the shore, e.g., from upper eulittoral to the mid eulittoral or from sublittoral fringe to lower eulittoral for a period of one year. Further details.

Evidence

Pomatoschistus microps is found in shallow rockpools, estuaries, saltmarshes etc. The animal is soft-bodied, so stranding of the individual, and subsequent exposure to sunshine and air for an hour would more than likely result in death. However, the species is highly mobile and unlikely to be stranded. Therefore, not relevant has been recorded.
Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant
Increase in emergence regime [Show more]

Increase in emergence regime

Benchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

It is unlikely that Pomatoschistus microps would be affected by a change in the emergence regime as at high tide it forages near the shore and at low tide it inhabits rockpools.
Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant
Decrease in emergence regime [Show more]

Decrease in emergence regime

Benchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in water flow rate [Show more]

Increase in water flow rate

A change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details

Evidence

Araujo et al. (2000) found that there was a negative correlation between water flow rate and abundance of the common goby in the upper Thames Estuary. This suggests that there is an upper limit to the flow rate that the common goby can withstand, however this value is not known. It is unlikely that they could withstand a large increase in water flow rate, as this would decrease their ability to feed and migrate. Therefore, intolerance to water flow rate is assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low
Decrease in water flow rate [Show more]

Decrease in water flow rate

A change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in temperature [Show more]

Increase in temperature

  1. A short-term, acute change in temperature; e.g., a 5°C change in the temperature range for three consecutive days. This definition includes ‘short-term’ thermal discharges.
  2. A long-term, chronic change in temperature; e.g. a 2°C change in the temperature range for a year. This definition includes ‘long term’ thermal discharges.

For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details

Evidence

In the Atlantic, the common goby can migrate to avoid low temperatures (Nyman, 1953; Jones & Miller, 1966; Araujo et al., 2000). However, Wiederholm (1987) suggested that a cold summer may reduce the population density and that a series of cold years may wipe out the northern-most population. The severe winter of 1962-63 in Morecambe showed a considerable reduction of Pomatoschistus microps (Jones & Miller, 1966). Similar effects were observed for the severe winters in the Dutch Wadden Sea in 1962-63 and 1963-64, where the population did not regain its abundance until 1965 (Fonds, 1973). However at Oxwich, near Swansea, Pomatoschistus microps was still fairly common in tidal pools after the winter of 1962-63 (Crisp, 1964).
A drastic short term increase in temperature would also be likely to affect the common goby population. The geographical distribution of Pomatoschistus microps extends from Britain to waters further south. The common goby populations in southern waters are therefore exposed to warmer waters. Long term increases in temperature due to climate warming would be unlikely to kill a proportion of the population, and may shift their distribution range further northwards.

Furthermore, Bouchereau et al. (1989) suggested that temperature seemed to take a prominent part in the condition of the common goby and its sexual cycle. A temperature increase is recorded as not relevant because it is unlikely that a proportion of the population will die. Whereas, a decrease in temperature is likely to cause a proportion of the population to die and is therefore recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is likely to be high (see additional information section below).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Decrease in temperature [Show more]

Decrease in temperature

  1. A short-term, acute change in temperature; e.g., a 5°C change in the temperature range for three consecutive days. This definition includes ‘short-term’ thermal discharges.
  2. A long-term, chronic change in temperature; e.g. a 2°C change in the temperature range for a year. This definition includes ‘long term’ thermal discharges.

For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in turbidity [Show more]

Increase in turbidity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., two categories of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one month, such as from medium to extreme turbidity.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., one category of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one year, such as from low to medium turbidity. Further details

Evidence

With an increase in turbidity, the amount of light penetration decreases. The minimum light intensity needed for the detection and recognition of food are of great importance in many species of fish (Kinne, 1970). For instance if the organism needs to spend more time foraging for food, its energy expenditure will increase and could possibly lead to growth and reproductive problems. In highly turbid waters, fish larvae have been noted to show a greater than normal mortality. Gobies are visual predators. Pomatoschistus microps is an active carnivore and would need to compensate (reduction in reproduction, growth etc.) in some way for a greater amount of time needed for searching and capturing prey.
However, numbers of common goby increased from August 1989 and July 1990 due to high temperatures, salinity and low transparency (Araujo et al., 2000). Unfortunately the level of turbidity at which this occurred was not reported. The common goby has also been noted for demonstrating phenotypic plasticity in adverse environmental conditions (Pampoulie et al., 2000). Pampoulie et al. (2000) observed the effects of a drastic and prolonged decrease in salinity, from 14 to 5 g/l in less than a week, sustained for approximately four years, and an increase in turbidity due to a centennial flood in the Rhone river. It was reported that these conditions led to an increase in the fecundity per spawning act, and egg size of the population. Therefore, intolerance to turbidity has been assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Moderate
Decrease in turbidity [Show more]

Decrease in turbidity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., two categories of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one month, such as from medium to extreme turbidity.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., one category of the water clarity scale (see glossary) for one year, such as from low to medium turbidity. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Increase in wave exposure [Show more]

Increase in wave exposure

A change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

The common goby is sufficiently mobile to move away from the area undergoing changes in wave exposure, therefore it is assigned a low intolerance. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low
Decrease in wave exposure [Show more]

Decrease in wave exposure

A change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details

Evidence

 No information
Noise [Show more]

Noise

  1. Underwater noise levels e.g., the regular passing of a 30-metre trawler at 100 metres or a working cutter-suction transfer dredge at 100 metres for one month during important feeding or breeding periods.
  2. Atmospheric noise levels e.g., the regular passing of a Boeing 737 passenger jet 300 metres overhead for one month during important feeding or breeding periods. Further details

Evidence

Insufficient
information.
No information Not relevant No information Not relevant
Visual presence [Show more]

Visual presence

Benchmark. The continuous presence for one month of moving objects not naturally found in the marine environment (e.g., boats, machinery, and humans) within the visual envelope of the species or community under consideration. Further details

Evidence

Fish generally forage for food using visual methods and can detect differing levels of light and shade. It is therefore probable that Pomatoschistus microps can also detect these changes and would be slightly affected by activity on the shore, more so in the breeding season. However, periods of time when activity might be reduced due to hiding would most likely be slight. A low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low
Abrasion & physical disturbance [Show more]

Abrasion & physical disturbance

Benchmark. Force equivalent to a standard scallop dredge landing on or being dragged across the organism. A single event is assumed for assessment. This factor includes mechanical interference, crushing, physical blows against, or rubbing and erosion of the organism or habitat of interest. Where trampling is relevant, the evidence and trampling intensity will be reported in the rationale. Further details.

Evidence

Pomatoschistus microps is sufficiently mobile to avoid abrasive contact and to shelter from it. Therefore the common goby is unlikely to suffer from abrasion and physical disturbance.
Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant
Displacement [Show more]

Displacement

Benchmark. Removal of the organism from the substratum and displacement from its original position onto a suitable substratum. A single event is assumed for assessment. Further details

Evidence

If displaced onto other suitable substrata, no effects on the population are expected. However, if displacement occurs during the breeding season, negative effects could be noted. Furthermore, if a male that is protecting fertilized eggs is displaced, the eggs are not likely to survive. Therefore, a low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low

Chemical pressures

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 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]

Synthetic compound contamination

Sensitivity is assessed against the available evidence for the effects of contaminants on the species (or closely related species at low confidence) or community of interest. For example:

  • evidence of mass mortality of a population of the species or community of interest (either short or long term) in response to a contaminant will be ranked as high sensitivity;
  • evidence of reduced abundance, or extent of a population of the species or community of interest (either short or long term) in response to a contaminant will be ranked as intermediate sensitivity;
  • evidence of sub-lethal effects or reduced reproductive potential of a population of the species or community of interest will be assessed as low sensitivity.

The evidence used is stated in the rationale. Where the assessment can be based on a known activity then this is stated. The tolerance to contaminants of species of interest will be included in the rationale when available; together with relevant supporting material. Further details.

Evidence

Lindane is likely to bioaccumulate significantly and is considered to be highly toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Ebere & Akintonwa (1992) conducted experiments on the toxicity of various pesticides to Gobius sp. They found Lindane and Diazinon to be very toxic, with 96 hr LC50s of 0.25 µg/l and 0.04 µg/l respectively. TBT is very toxic to algae and fish. However, toxicity of TBT is highly variable with 96-hr LC50 ranging from 1.5 to 36 µg/l, with larval stages being more sensitive than adults (Cole et al., 1999). PCBs are highly persistent in the water column and sediments, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and can be very toxic to marine invertebrates. However their toxicity to fish is not clear (Cole et al., 1999). Therefore, an intermediate intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section below).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Heavy metal contamination [Show more]

Heavy metal contamination

Evidence

Cadmium, mercury, lead, zinc and copper are highly persistent, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and are all considered to be very toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Mueller (1979) found that in Pomatoschistus sp., very low concentrations of cadmium, copper and lead (0.5 g/l Cd2+; 5 g/l Cu2+; 20 g/l Pb2+) brought about changes in activity and an obstruction to the gill epithelia by mucus.
Inorganic mercury concentrations as low as 30 µg/l (96-h LC50) are considered to be toxic to fish, whereas organic mercury concentrations are more toxic to marine organisms (World Health Organisation, 1989, 1991). Oertzen et al. (1988) found that the toxicity of the organic mercury complex exceeded that of HgCl2 by a factor of 30 for Pomatoschistus microps. Therefore, a high intolerance to heavy metals has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Section below).
High High Moderate Low
Hydrocarbon contamination [Show more]

Hydrocarbon contamination

Evidence

Toxicity of low molecular weight poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to organisms in the water column is moderate (Cole et al., 1999). They have the potential to accumulate in sediments and, depending on individual PAH, to be toxic to sediment dwellers at levels between 6 and 150 µg/l (Cole et al., 1999). The toxicity of oil and petrochemicals to fish ranges from moderate to high (Cole et al., 1999). The main problem is due to smothering of the intertidal habitat.
Bowling et al. (1983) found that anthracene, a PAH, had a photo-induced toxicity to the bluegill sunfish. In fact, they reported that when exposed to sunlight anthracene was at least 400 times more toxic than when no sunlight was present. According to Ankley et al. (1997) only a subset of PAH's are phototoxic (fluranthene, anthracene, pyrene etc.). Effects of these compounds are destruction of gill epithelia, erosion of skin layers, hypoxia and asphyxiation (Bowling et al., 1983). It is possible that Pomatoschistus microps could be similarly intolerant of hydrocarbons, however this is not known. An intermediate intolerance to hydrocarbons has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section below).
Intermediate High Low Moderate
Radionuclide contamination [Show more]

Radionuclide contamination

Evidence

Kinne (1984) reported that for the marine goby, Chasmichthys glosus, doses of as little as 100 rad (type not known) produced a readily observable response, causing severe damage to gonads of both males and females. The testes showed slightly greater intolerance. It is probable that Pomatoschistus microps would respond similarly to sublethal irradiation at levels indicated above. Intolerance to radionuclides is recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section below).
Intermediate High Low Very low
Changes in nutrient levels [Show more]

Changes in nutrient levels

Evidence

No information was available concerning the common goby and its intolerance to nutrient levels. However, it is probably relatively tolerant of variations in nutrient concentrations.
No information No information No information Not relevant
Increase in salinity [Show more]

Increase in salinity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., a change of two categories from the MNCR salinity scale for one week (view glossary) such as from full to reduced.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., a change of one category from the MNCR salinity scale for one year (view glossary) such as from reduced to low. Further details.

Evidence

In the Atlantic the common goby can migrate to avoid low salinities (Miller, 1975). Pampoulie et al. (2000) observed the effects of a drastic and prolonged decrease in salinity for Pomatoschistus microps. Due to a centennial flood in the Rhone river, the salinity dropped from ca 14 to 5 g/l n less than a week, with this level being sustained for approximately four years. It was reported that these conditions led to an increase in the fecundity per spawning act and egg size of the population. Population levels of Pomatoschistus microps decreased, yet during the years 1993 to 1995 an increase in fecundity and egg size was recorded in order to increase the population enormously (Pampoulie et al., 2000). Fonds (1973) found that eggs and larvae of the common goby survive well at salinities as low as 5 psu. Therefore, although Pomatoschistus microps may suffer slightly from a change in salinity, it has been shown to adapt its reproductive strategy to compensate for this.
Pomatoschistus microps has been recorded in salinities as low as 4 psu (Barnes, 1994) and has been noted to tolerate salinities from about 8 to 80 psu (Fish & Fish). Therefore a low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see additional information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low
Decrease in salinity [Show more]

Decrease in salinity

  1. A short-term, acute change; e.g., a change of two categories from the MNCR salinity scale for one week (view glossary) such as from full to reduced.
  2. A long-term, chronic change; e.g., a change of one category from the MNCR salinity scale for one year (view glossary) such as from reduced to low. Further details.

Evidence

 No information
Changes in oxygenation [Show more]

Changes in oxygenation

Benchmark.  Exposure to a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l for one week. Further details.

Evidence

Oxygen levels may change drastically over a tidal cycle in a rockpool. Pomatoschistus microps is likely to be well-adapted to these changes. Oertzen & Avon (1982) found that the goby retained its standard metabolic rate down to an oxygen saturation of 36%. However, a decrease in oxygen below this level would be expected to have a slight negative impact on the population. Therefore, intolerance to decreased oxygenation is assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be very high (see Additional Information section below).
Low Very high Very Low Low

Biological pressures

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 IntoleranceRecoverabilitySensitivityEvidence / Confidence
Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites [Show more]

Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites

Benchmark. Sensitivity can only be assessed relative to a known, named disease, likely to cause partial loss of a species population or community. Further details.

Evidence

Pampoulie et al. (2000b) found that the trematode Aphalloides coelomicola was found in Pomatoschistus microps in the Vaccares lagoon (delta du Rhone, France). They suggested that Pomatoschistus microps is both its second intermediate and final host, with the transfer mechanism to the first intermediate host through the death of the definitive host. Cryptocototyle concavum has been noted to have a very high infestation rate in Pomatoschistus microps (Zander et al., 1993). Hysterothylacium sp. (Nematoda), and Podocotyle atomon were also noted by Zander et al. (1993) to infest the sand goby, in the SW Baltic Sea. Specific effects of the parasites on Pomatoschistus microps are not known, but it is likely that they will cause a reduction in the fish's fitness. Therefore, a low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section below).
Low High Low Moderate
Introduction of non-native species [Show more]

Introduction of non-native species

Sensitivity assessed against the likely effect of the introduction of alien or non-native species in Britain or Ireland. Further details.

Evidence

No alien or non-native species are known to affect Pomatoschistus microps in Britain and Ireland.
Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant
Extraction of this species [Show more]

Extraction of this species

Benchmark. Extraction removes 50% of the species or community from the area under consideration. Sensitivity will be assessed as 'intermediate'. The habitat remains intact or recovers rapidly. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details.

Evidence

Pomatoschistus microps is unlikely to be subject to a target fishery. Therefore, not relevant has been recorded (see additional information section below).
Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant Not relevant
Extraction of other species [Show more]

Extraction of other species

Benchmark. A species that is a required host or prey for the species under consideration (and assuming that no alternative host exists) or a keystone species in a biotope is removed. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details.

Evidence

Extraction of bivalves e.g. Mytilus, Mya and Cerastoderma species may reduce nest availability (Angus Jackson, pers comm.). Nest availability can affect the sex ratio (Borg et al. (2002). Therefore, an intolerance of low has been recorded with a very high recoverability (see below).
Low Very high Very Low Moderate

Additional information

The common goby has a high individual fecundity and multiple spawning. Rogers (1988) observed 10 batches of eggs in a 16 week breeding season, while Miller (1979) and Bouchereau & Guelorget (1998) observed between 9 and 11 in an entire breeding season. Fecundity was noted to be between 650 and 3,400 eggs by Miller (1986). Gobies have a high fecundity and a long breeding season. They are also widespread, with potentially good dispersal due to their high adult mobility and pelagic larval phase. Therefore, they would probably recolonize an area rapidly.

Importance review

Policy/legislation

DesignationSupport
Berne ConventionAppendix III
IUCN Red ListLeast Concern (LC)

Status

Non-native

ParameterData
Native-
Origin-
Date ArrivedNot relevant

Importance information

Pomatoschistus microps is protected under the Bern Convention, Appendix III (Protected Fauna Species). Under this, the species is protected, but a certain exploitation is possible if the population level permits.

Bibliography

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Datasets

  1. Centre for Environmental Data and Recording, 2018. Ulster Museum Marine Surveys of Northern Ireland Coastal Waters. Occurrence dataset https://www.nmni.com/CEDaR/CEDaR-Centre-for-Environmental-Data-and-Recording.aspx accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-25.

  2. Environmental Records Information Centre North East, 2018. ERIC NE Combined dataset to 2017. Occurrence dataset: http://www.ericnortheast.org.ukl accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-38

  3. Fenwick, 2018. Aphotomarine. Occurrence dataset http://www.aphotomarine.com/index.html Accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01

  4. Isle of Wight Local Records Centre, 2017. IOW Natural History & Archaeological Society Marine Records. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/7axhcw accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-27.

  5. Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre, 2017. Fish: Records for Kent. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/kd1utk accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-27.

  6. Kent Wildlife Trust, 2018. Kent Wildlife Trust Shoresearch Intertidal Survey 2004 onwards. Occurrence dataset: https://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-01.

  7. Lancashire Environment Record Network, 2018. LERN Records. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/esxc9a accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  8. Merseyside BioBank., 2018. Merseyside BioBank (unverified). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/iou2ld accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  9. National Trust, 2017. National Trust Species Records. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/opc6g1 accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  10. National Trust, 2018. Sutton Hoo species data held by The National Trust. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/4etkkx accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  11. NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.

  12. North East Scotland Biological Records Centre, 2017. NE Scotland fish records 1800-2010. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/kjrwnd accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01.

  13. OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System),  2024. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2024-11-22

  14. Record, 2018. RECORD Freshwater Fish Data. Occurrence dataset https://doi.org/10.15468/m5tosv accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-01

  15. South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. SEWBReC Fish (South East Wales). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/htsfiy accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  16. South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project. Occurance dataset: http://www.sewbrec.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-02

  17. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service., 2017. Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service (SBIS) Dataset. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/ab4vwo accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

  18. The Wildlife Information Centre, 2018. TWIC Biodiversity Field Trip Data (1995-present). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/ljc0ke accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.

Citation

This review can be cited as:

Riley, K. 2003. Pomatoschistus microps Common goby. In Tyler-Walters H. and Hiscock K. Marine Life Information Network: Biology and Sensitivity Key Information Reviews, [on-line]. Plymouth: Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. [cited 22-11-2024]. Available from: https://www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/1202

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Last Updated: 21/07/2003