Quagga Goby

Pomatoschistus quagga

The Quagga Goby is a small reef fish found in the western Mediterranean and the Adriatic Sea. It typically inhabits soft substrates and eelgrass beds, making it a common sight in these marine environments. The species can grow up to 6 centimeters in length, with an elongated body and lateral eyes. Its fully scaled body and slightly notched caudal fins are distinguishing features, along with the presence of small cteniae on the branchial arches, which function as plankton filters. Divers encountering the Quagga Goby can expect to find it in shallow waters where eelgrass is present. It is not a threatened species, currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. An encounter with this small, harmless fish can be a subtle addition to the underwater experience, especially in its native habitats.