Roule's Goby

Gobius roulei

Roule's Goby is a small fish reaching up to 8 centimeters in total length. It belongs to the goby family and can be distinguished by its elongated body and specific fin ray counts. The first dorsal fin has six elongated rays, while the second dorsal and anal fins have a unique ray pattern. The scales are ctenoid, and the lateral line is composed of 37 scales, extending to the caudal fin. In adults, the scales on the head, nape, and other areas are absent, giving it a distinctive appearance. This species inhabits the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is typically found in deep waters, ranging from 48 to 385 meters, although it occurs inshore within the Mediterranean. Roule's Goby prefers bathydemersal environments, meaning it is often found near the seabed in these regions. Encounters with Roule's Goby during a dive might be rare due to its preference for deeper waters. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Divers exploring the appropriate depths might spot this species, although its cryptic nature and deep habitat make sightings less frequent.