How big is a spotted goby?

Up to about 7 cm, and most are smaller. They are easy to overlook.

Where do you find spotted gobies in Cozumel?

On sand and rubble at the base of coral heads, generally below 10 metres. Look down and go slowly.

How do you tell a goby from a blenny?

Gobies usually have two separate dorsal fins and rest propped on fused pelvic fins; blennies have one continuous dorsal fin and often small appendages above the eyes.

Spotted Goby in Cozumel

Spotted Goby (Coryphopterus punctipectophorus) in Cozumel: how to identify it, where it is reliably seen, and what it is commonly confused with.

A small translucent goby that perches on sand and rubble, propped on its pelvic fins, marked with rows of orange-brown spots. It moves in short hops rather than swimming.

Quick ID

Scientific name	Coryphopterus punctipectophorus
Group	Camouflaged & Odd-Shaped Fish
Typical size	Up to 7 cm
Depth range	3–40 m
When to see it	Year-round
Active	Day
Conservation status	Least Concern

How To Identify It

Pale, semi-translucent body with rows of orange to brown spots along the flanks and a spotted pectoral fin base. Blunt head, large eyes set high.

Where You Will See It In Cozumel

On sand and rubble at the base of coral heads, usually below 10 metres. You have to be looking down and close to find one.

Reliable sites: Paradise Reef, Chankanaab, Yucab, Tormentos, Paso del Cedral.

Behaviour

Perches motionless, darting a short distance when disturbed and settling again. Feeds on small crustaceans taken from the bottom.

Gobies of this genus are among the most abundant fish on the reef by number and among the least noticed by divers.

Commonly Confused With

Bridled goby — Similar shape, with a dark bar under the eye.
Colon goby — Two dark marks like a colon on the flank.
Blennies — Perch similarly but have a continuous dorsal fin and often head appendages.

Diving Etiquette And Safety

Keep fins off the reef and hands to yourself. Nothing here needs to be touched, moved or provoked to be seen well.

Part of the Cozumel marine life guide · see Cozumel dive sites · plan your Cozumel dive trip

Spotted Goby Photos

Spotted Goby (Coryphopterus punctipectophorus) photographed on a Cozumel reef — photo © Sydney Hoerler, courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission — photo © Sydney Hoerler, courtesy of the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program, used with permission