Frillfin Goby

Bathygobius soporator

Look for this Goby in very shallow water, darting around in calm, sandy sea grass areas just off shore in as little as one foot of water. I've also seen them in shallow mangrove areas, on silt, muddy bottoms. They change their color to match the bottom, which is drab grey or brown with speckles, and faint, thick mottled bars across their bodies and sometimes with more defined spots. They are easy to approach if you move slow. When they dart away it is usually only for a short distance. Notice their frilled dorsal fins-thus the common name. They are one of the larger gobies. Reaching up to 4 inches in length.