Pallaoro's Goby

Zebrus pallaoroi

Pallaoro's Goby is a small reef fish found in the southern part of the Adriatic Sea within the Mediterranean. It is a cryptobenthic species, meaning it often hides among gravel and small boulders in very shallow waters, typically just by the shore. Divers can identify this goby by its distinctive body pattern, which features 10 to 11 vertical dark brown bands along its lateral side. These bands are contrasted by pale interspaces, and the first band appears in front of the first dorsal fin, with the last band at the end of the second dorsal fin. The species is small, with males reaching a maximum length of 3.2 cm and females up to 2.6 cm. Pallaoro's Goby is characterized by a longer snout compared to its eye, and it has a unique arrangement of sensory papillae and head ridges. It inhabits depths of up to 1 meter, making it accessible for divers exploring shallow coastal waters. According to the IUCN Red List, Pallaoro's Goby is classified as Least Concern.