Sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus)
Distribution data supplied by the Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS). To interrogate UK data visit the NBN Atlas.Map Help
Researched by | Karen Riley | Refereed by | Dr Angus Jackson |
Authority | (Pallas, 1770) | ||
Other common names | - | Synonyms | - |
Summary
Description
The sand goby is a small goby, reaching a maximum of 10 cm in length. It has a slender body and the head is about a quarter of the total length. It is pale brown or grey in colour with darker markings on the sides. The underside is creamy-white in colour. Males often have a prominent dark blue spot on the rear of the first dorsal fin.
Recorded distribution in Britain and Ireland
The sand goby is abundant along all British and Irish coasts.Global distribution
Its distribution extends from the eastern Atlantic (Tromso, Norway) to the Mediterranean and areas of the Baltic Sea.Habitat
Pomatoschistus minutus is found on sandy or muddy bottoms usually to a depth of about 20 m, but sometimes occurring up to 60-70 m depths. They are usually present in estuaries, lagoons, salt marshes and along coastal waters.Depth range
Up to 20 m (sometimes up to 60-70 m)Identifying features
- The sand goby has large eyes that are positioned high on the side of the head.
- There are scales present on the nape and neck.
- Upper rays of pectoral fins have membrane to their tips.
- Tail is rounded, narrow and long.
- Pelvic fins are united to form a crescent-shaped disc.
- Anterior dorsal fin has 6-7 spines.
- Posterior dorsal fin has 1 spine and 10-12 rays.
- There are 55-75 scales in a line from base of pectoral fin to tail fin.
Additional information
Pomatoschistus minutus is a very abundant fish which is present along all British and Irish coasts. Its distribution extends from the eastern Atlantic (Tromso, Norway) to the Mediterranean and to areas of the Baltic Sea. Pomatoschistus minutus is a spawning and thermal migratory species. It is usually found on sandy or muddy bottoms to a depth of about 20 m, but may occur up to 60-70 m depths.
Pomatoschistus minutus is sometimes considered to form a species complex with Pomatoschistus norvegicus and Pomatoschistus lozanoi. Pomatoschistus lozanoi is morphologically intermediate between the other forms and may interbreed with them in the wild (Webb, 1980). However, evidence suggests that back-crossing of the resultant hybrids does not occur and Pomatoschistus lozanoi is genetically distinct from the other forms (Webb, 1980).
Listed by
Biology review
Taxonomy
Level | Scientific name | Common name |
---|---|---|
Phylum | Chordata | Sea squirts, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals |
Class | Actinopterygii | Ray-finned fish, e.g. sturgeon, eels, fin fish, gobies, blennies, and seahorses |
Order | Gobiiformes | |
Family | Gobiidae | |
Genus | Pomatoschistus | |
Authority | (Pallas, 1770) | |
Recent Synonyms |
Biology
Parameter | Data | ||
---|---|---|---|
Typical abundance | High density | ||
Male size range | up to 10cm | ||
Male size at maturity | 4cm | ||
Female size range | 4cm | ||
Female size at maturity | |||
Growth form | Pisciform | ||
Growth rate | No information found | ||
Body flexibility | High (greater than 45 degrees) | ||
Mobility | |||
Characteristic feeding method | Predator | ||
Diet/food source | |||
Typically feeds on | Small polychaetes, cumaceans, amphipods and mysids. | ||
Sociability | |||
Environmental position | Demersal | ||
Dependency | Independent. | ||
Supports | None | ||
Is the species harmful? | No |
Biology information
- The sand goby usually remains inactive, except when feeding (Fonds & Veldhuis, 1973). Pomatoschistus minutus feeds on small polychaetes, cumaceans, amphipods and mysids. Depending on the bottom type, it has been noted to show colour adaptations (Aquascope, 2000b), and has also been noted to burrow into the sediment to avoid predators (Magnhagen & Forsgren, 1991).
- The sand goby is a small goby, reaching a maximum of 10 cm in length. Males are generally longer than females (Quignard et al., 1983). Growth is slower in winter in the Atlantic, and slower in the summer in the Mediterranean (Quignard et al., 1983). Larvae gradually spend more and more time on the bottom, and at a length of approximately 17-18 mm they are usually fully adapted to the benthic way of life.
- Although of no commercial importance itself, it is incidentally caught in abundance in French Mediterranean lagoons (Quignard et al., 1983).
Habitat preferences
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Physiographic preferences | Open coast, Estuary, Isolated saline water (Lagoon), Enclosed coast or Embayment |
Biological zone preferences | Lower infralittoral, Sublittoral fringe, Upper infralittoral |
Substratum / habitat preferences | Coarse clean sand, Fine clean sand, Mixed, Mud, Muddy sand, Sandy mud |
Tidal strength preferences | |
Wave exposure preferences | Exposed, Moderately exposed, Sheltered |
Salinity preferences | Full (30-40 psu), Variable (18-40 psu) |
Depth range | Up to 20 m (sometimes up to 60-70 m) |
Other preferences | No text entered |
Migration Pattern | Seasonal (environment), Seasonal (reproduction) |
Habitat Information
- The sand goby is considered to be an abundant species, found along all coasts of the British Isles. It can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and salinities, shown by its distribution from Norway and the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean, and the fact that it resides in brackish and fully saline waters. It is usually found in deeper waters and at higher salinities than Pomatoschistus microps.
- Fonds (1973) showed that adult sand gobies tolerate salinities between 0.9 psu and 45 psu and that they survived and remained in good condition at a temperature as low as 2 °C. However, in the Thames estuary they preferred high salinity and high suspended solids concentrations (Araújo et al., 2000).
- Pomatoschistus minutus is a migratory species of semi-enclosed lagoon-like environments (Pampoulie et al., 1999). It has been noted to undertake spawning migrations in the Mediterranean Sea (Bouchereau et al., 1989) and thermal migrations in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea (Fonds, 1973; Hesthagen, 1977). Thermal migrations occur when temperatures decrease below 4-5 °C (Fonds, 1973) or increase above 19 °C (Hesthagen, 1977). In the Thames estuary an increase in numbers has been noted during autumn and winter (Araújo et al., 2000). In the Severn estuary, however, goby numbers declined in winter. This was suspected to have reflected a movement away from the shallows and towards deeper, warmer water (Claridge et al., 1985). Healey (1971) observed a scarcity of sand gobies in the Ythan estuary from February to June and, after eliminating decreased temperature, a change in salinity or a change in food supply as a cause, suggested that it was a result of a seasonal migration. Healey (1971) hypothesized that the gobies migrated out to sea so that eggs could develop, however, the hypothesis was subsequently rejected.
Life history
Adult characteristics
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Reproductive type | Gonochoristic (dioecious) |
Reproductive frequency | Annual protracted |
Fecundity (number of eggs) | 1,000-10,000 |
Generation time | 1-2 years |
Age at maturity | 7 months to a year old |
Season | February - July |
Life span | 1-2 years |
Larval characteristics
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Larval/propagule type | - |
Larval/juvenile development | Oviparous |
Duration of larval stage | 2-10 days |
Larval dispersal potential | Greater than 10 km |
Larval settlement period | Insufficient information |
Life history information
- The sand goby becomes sexually mature at about 7 months to a year old (Miller, 1986; Bouchereau et al., 1990). At this time, individuals measure approximately 4 cm (Bouchereau et al., 1990). Reproduction involves repeat spawning between February and May in Britain, and March to July in the Baltic Sea (Miller, 1986). The female usually lays her eggs under empty bivalve shells and the male proceeds to guard them. Males care for approximately 2 egg batches at the same time, belonging to different females (Kvarnemo, 1994), and females respawn with an interval of about 1 to 2 weeks (Kvarnemo, 1998). Fecundity is reported as between 2,878 - 3,000 eggs by Miller (1986) and between 998 and 5100 by Bouchereau et al. (1990).
- Pomatoschistus minutus spawns at 8 to 15 °C, lower than that of the Pomatoschistus microps (Wiederholm, 1987). In the Atlantic reproduction is protracted (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998; Rogers, 1989) and in the Mediterranean it is contracted (Bouchereau & Guelorget, 1998).
- The lifespan of the sand goby is approximately 1.3 to 2 years (Miller, 1986). Quignard et al. (1983) recorded lifespans of the sand goby as 12 to 14 months in the Mediterranean and up to 22 months in the Atlantic.
Sensitivity review
The MarLIN sensitivity assessment approach used below has been superseded by the MarESA (Marine Evidence-based Sensitivity Assessment) approach (see menu). The MarLIN approach was used for assessments from 1999-2010. The MarESA approach reflects the recent conservation imperatives and terminology and is used for sensitivity assessments from 2014 onwards.
Physical pressures
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Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Substratum loss [Show more]Substratum lossBenchmark. All of the substratum occupied by the species or biotope under consideration is removed. A single event is assumed for sensitivity assessment. Once the activity or event has stopped (or between regular events) suitable substratum remains or is deposited. Species or community recovery assumes that the substratum within the habitat preferences of the original species or community is present. Further details EvidenceAdult Pomatoschistus minutus live on inshore sandy and muddy substrata in open coastal areas, whereas juveniles are found in lower estuaries. The sand goby has been noted to show colour adaptations, depending on the bottom type (Aquascope, 2000), and has also been noted to burrow into the sediment when under attack (Magnhagen & Forsgren, 1991). Their substratum is therefore important to them for the purpose of protection. Loss of substrata may cause a proportion of the species to die. However, adults are sufficiently mobile and will be able to recolonize areas which contain suitable substrata. A low intolerance to substratum loss is recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Moderate |
Smothering [Show more]SmotheringBenchmark. All of the population of a species or an area of a biotope is smothered by sediment to a depth of 5 cm above the substratum for one month. Impermeable materials, such as concrete, oil, or tar, are likely to have a greater effect. Further details. EvidencePomatoschistus minutus will not be affected by smothering as they are mobile and able to swim away. However, destruction of habitat is important. Cordone & Kelley (1961) reported that (in a freshwater habitat) deposition of sediment on the bottom of the substratum would destroy needed shelter, reduce the availability of food, impair growth and lower the survival rate of eggs and larvae of fish. It is likely that, due to the ability of adult Pomatoschistus minutus to burrow into the sediment, they will only be slightly intolerant of smothering. However, if smothering occurred during the breeding season destruction of broods of eggs is possible. Materials such as concrete, oil or tar are likely to have a greater negative impact on the population. An intermediate intolerance to smothering has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate |
Increase in suspended sediment [Show more]Increase in suspended sedimentBenchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details EvidenceMoore (1977) indicated that an increase in siltation can have a negative effect on the growth of adult fish, survival of eggs and larvae and pathological effects on gill epithelia. However, bottom-dwelling species are generally found to be tolerant of suspended solids and juveniles have been reported as being more intolerant of siltation than adults (Moore, 1977). Araújo et al. (2000) found that Pomatoschistus minutus was preferentially found in areas of high suspended sediment in the Thames estuary. On balance, tolerant has been suggested with a low confidence. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Decrease in suspended sediment [Show more]Decrease in suspended sedimentBenchmark. An arbitrary short-term, acute change in background suspended sediment concentration e.g., a change of 100 mg/l for one month. The resultant light attenuation effects are addressed under turbidity, and the effects of rapid settling out of suspended sediment are addressed under smothering. Further details Evidence | No information | |||
Desiccation [Show more]Desiccation
EvidencePomatoschistus minutus is found in inshore coastal waters. The animal is soft-bodied, so stranding of the individual, and subsequent exposure to sunshine and air for an hour would more than likely result in a proportion of the population dying. This event, however, is unlikely to occur as the sand goby is sufficiently mobile to avoid this situation and can burrow into the sediment to survive low water levels. In an experiment designed to investigate the ecological importance of the sand goby, Jaquet & Raffaelli (1989) set up cages on an intertidal mudflat in the Ythan estuary. They reported that the gobies were apparently unaffected by the presence or absence of water and that many of the fish were entirely buried at the sediment surface. Intolerance to desiccation has therefore been assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Moderate |
Increase in emergence regime [Show more]Increase in emergence regimeBenchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceIt is unlikely that Pomatoschistus minutus would be affected by a change in the emergence regime as it is sufficiently mobile to avoid its effects. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Moderate |
Decrease in emergence regime [Show more]Decrease in emergence regimeBenchmark. A one hour change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of one year. Further details Evidence | No information | |||
Increase in water flow rate [Show more]Increase in water flow rateA change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details EvidenceIt is unlikely that the sand goby could withstand a large increase in water flow rate, as this would decrease its ability to feed, migrate and reproduce. However, it is sufficiently mobile to avoid effects and so intolerance is assessed as low. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Decrease in water flow rate [Show more]Decrease in water flow rateA change of two categories in water flow rate (view glossary) for 1 year, for example, from moderately strong (1-3 knots) to very weak (negligible). Further details Evidence | No information | |||
Increase in temperature [Show more]Increase in temperature
For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details EvidenceThe geographical distribution of Pomatoschistus minutus extends from the north-eastern Atlantic (Tromso, Norway) to the Mediterranean and areas of the Baltic Sea. Pomatoschistus minutus populations in southern waters are therefore exposed to warmer waters, and those in northern waters are exposed to colder waters. Long term increases in temperature due to climate warming would be unlikely to have an effect on the population.As temperature is important in determining the distribution of the sand goby (e.g. winter migration), Wiederholm, (1987) suggested that a cold summer may reduce the population density and a series of cold years may wipe out the northernmost population. During the severe winter of 1962-63 there was heavy mortality of observed populations of Gobius paganellus, Gobius minutus and Gobius flavens (Crisp (ed.), 1964). Therefore a decrease in temperature may affect populations in the British Isles, by either shifting the geographical distribution further southwards towards warmer waters, or killing a proportion of the northern-most population. Furthermore, temperature could also have an effect on the time and duration of the breeding season. For example, Pomatoschistus minutus spawns at 8 to 15 °C. Therefore, temperatures outside this range would decrease the ability of the species to spawn, and also decrease the hatching success rate of their eggs. Sensitivity to a temperature increase is recorded as low, whereas a decrease in temperature is likely to cause a proportion of the population to die and is therefore recorded as intermediate. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate |
Decrease in temperature [Show more]Decrease in temperature
For intertidal species or communities, the range of temperatures includes the air temperature regime for that species or community. Further details Evidence | No information | |||
Increase in turbidity [Show more]Increase in turbidity
EvidencePomatoschistus minutus does not depend on algae as a food source, but depends on other food sources (such as Crustacea and polychaetes). These would still be readily available. The minimum light intensity needed for the detection and recognition of food are of great importance in many species of fish (Kinne, 1970). For instance if the organism needs to spend more time foraging for food, its energy expenditure will increase and could possibly lead to growth and reproductive problems. In highly turbid waters fish larvae have been noted to show a greater than normal mortality. It is probable that Pomatoschistus minutus would be intolerant of changes in turbidity on a large scale, but probably not with changes of approximately 50 mg/l over a month. Therefore, a low intolerance to changes in turbidity has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Moderate |
Decrease in turbidity [Show more]Decrease in turbidity
Evidence | No information | |||
Increase in wave exposure [Show more]Increase in wave exposureA change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details EvidenceThe sand goby is sufficiently mobile to move away from the area undergoing changes in wave exposure, therefore it is assigned a low intolerance. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Not relevant |
Decrease in wave exposure [Show more]Decrease in wave exposureA change of two ranks on the wave exposure scale (view glossary) e.g., from Exposed to Extremely exposed for a period of one year. Further details Evidence | No information | |||
Noise [Show more]Noise
EvidenceInsufficientinformation. | No information | No information | No information | No information |
Visual presence [Show more]Visual presenceBenchmark. The continuous presence for one month of moving objects not naturally found in the marine environment (e.g., boats, machinery, and humans) within the visual envelope of the species or community under consideration. Further details EvidenceFish generally forage for food using visual methods and can detect differing levels of light and shade. It is therefore probable that Pomatoschistus minutus can also detect these changes and would be slightly affected by activity on the shore, more so in the breeding season. However, periods of time when activity might be reduced due to hiding would most likely be slight. Intolerance to visual presence is assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Low |
Abrasion & physical disturbance [Show more]Abrasion & physical disturbanceBenchmark. Force equivalent to a standard scallop dredge landing on or being dragged across the organism. A single event is assumed for assessment. This factor includes mechanical interference, crushing, physical blows against, or rubbing and erosion of the organism or habitat of interest. Where trampling is relevant, the evidence and trampling intensity will be reported in the rationale. Further details. EvidencePomatoschistus minutus is sufficiently mobile to avoid abrasive contact. Therefore it is unlikely to suffer from abrasion. | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant | Not relevant |
Displacement [Show more]DisplacementBenchmark. Removal of the organism from the substratum and displacement from its original position onto a suitable substratum. A single event is assumed for assessment. Further details EvidenceIt is unlikely that Pomatoschistus minutus would be affected by displacement, as it is sufficiently mobile to recolonize other areas. However, if displacement occurs during the breeding season negative effects on the species could be noted. Furthermore, if a male that is protecting fertilized eggs is displaced, the eggs are not likely to survive. Therefore, a low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Low |
Chemical pressures
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Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Synthetic compound contamination [Show more]Synthetic compound contaminationSensitivity is assessed against the available evidence for the effects of contaminants on the species (or closely related species at low confidence) or community of interest. For example:
The evidence used is stated in the rationale. Where the assessment can be based on a known activity then this is stated. The tolerance to contaminants of species of interest will be included in the rationale when available; together with relevant supporting material. Further details. EvidenceLindane is likely to bioaccumulate significantly and is considered to be highly toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Ebere & Akintonwa (1992) conducted experiments on the toxicity of various pesticides to Gobius sp. They found Lindane and Diazinon to be very toxic, with 96 hr LC50s of 0.25 µg/l and 0.04 µg/l respectively. TBT is very toxic to algae and fish. However, toxicity of TBT is highly variable with 96-hr LC50 ranging from 1.5 to 36 µg/l, with larval stages being more sensitive than adults (Cole et al., 1999). PCBs are highly persistent in the water column and sediments, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and can be very toxic to marine invertebrates. However their toxicity to fish is not clear (Cole et al., 1999). Therefore, an Intermediate intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Low |
Heavy metal contamination [Show more]Heavy metal contaminationEvidenceCadmium, mercury, lead, zinc and copper are highly persistent, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and are all considered to be very toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Mueller (1979) found that in Pomatoschistus sp., very low concentrations of cadmium, copper and lead (0.5 g/l Cd2+; 5 g/l Cu2+; 20 g/l Pb2+) brought about changes in activity and an obstruction to the gill epithelia by mucus.Inorganic mercury concentrations as low as 30 µg/l (96-h LC50) are considered to be toxic to fish, whereas organic mercury concentrations are more toxic to marine organisms (World Health Organisation, 1989, 1991). Oertzen et al. (1988) found that the toxicity of the organic mercury complex exceeded that of HgCl2 by a factor of 30 for Pomatoschistus microps. As Pomatoschistus microps and Pomatoschistus minutus are similar in their distribution and morphology (Wiederholm, 1987) it is probable that Pomatoschistus minutus would react in the same way. Therefore, a high intolerance to heavy metals has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | High | High | Moderate | Low |
Hydrocarbon contamination [Show more]Hydrocarbon contaminationEvidenceToxicity of low molecular weight poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to organisms in the water column is moderate (Cole et al., 1999). They have the potential to accumulate in sediments and, depending on individual PAH, to be toxic to sediment dwellers at levels between 6 and 150 µg/l (Cole et al., 1999). The toxicity of oil and petrochemicals to fish ranges from moderate to high (Cole et al., 1999). Berge et al. (1983) performed an experiment on the effects of the water soluble fraction (WSF) of North Sea crude oil on sand gobies. They found that after 1 to 2 days exposure to WSF crude oil at a concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 ppm, there was increased mortality and decrease in normal nocturnal behaviour. After 6 days exposure, a 50 % survival was noted. Berge et al. (1983) also noted that, after restoration of clean sea water normal activity resumed and mortality gradually became less, although some fish still died.Bowling et al. (1983) found that anthracene, a PAH, had a photo-induced toxicity to the bluegill sunfish. In fact, Bowling et al. (1983) reported that when exposed to sunlight, anthracene was at least 400 times more toxic than when no sunlight was present. According to Ankley et al. (1997) only a subset of PAH's are phototoxic (fluranthene, anthracene, pyrene etc.). Effects of these compounds are destruction of gill epithelia, erosion of skin layers, hypoxia and asphyxiation (Bowling et al., 1983). It is possible that Pomatoschistus minutus could be similarly intolerant of hydrocarbons, however this is not known. An intermediate intolerance to hydrocarbons has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Moderate |
Radionuclide contamination [Show more]Radionuclide contaminationEvidenceKinne (1984) reported that for the marine goby, Chasmichthys glosus, doses of as little as 100 rad (type not known) produced a readily observable response, causing severe damage to gonads of both males and females. The testes showed slightly greater intolerance. It is probable that Pomatoschistus minutus would respond similarly to sublethal irradiation at levels indicated above. An intermediate intolerance to radionuclides has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Intermediate | High | Low | Very low |
Changes in nutrient levels [Show more]Changes in nutrient levelsEvidenceAn increase or decrease in nutrient levels is not likely to exert an effect on the sand goby. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Increase in salinity [Show more]Increase in salinity
EvidenceFonds (1973) found that the sand goby could tolerate salinities between 0.9 and 45 psu. Healey (1971) investigated survival of eggs at various salinities at a temperature of 11-13 °C. He found that they survived best at salinities between 10 and 25 psu, and poorly at 0 and 35 psu. Healey (1971) also found poor survival of sand goby eggs at 0.5 psu. The sand goby is therefore able to survive in a wide range of salinities, and its intolerance is recorded as low. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Low |
Decrease in salinity [Show more]Decrease in salinity
Evidence | No information | |||
Changes in oxygenation [Show more]Changes in oxygenationBenchmark. Exposure to a dissolved oxygen concentration of 2 mg/l for one week. Further details. EvidenceA drastic short term decrease in oxygen levels would be expected to have a slight negative impact on the population. Peterson & Peterson (1990) found that the sand goby became restless at oxygen levels below 40 %. It was not known if the increased activity was due to respiratory stress or through adaptation to lower oxygen saturation. Where deoxygenation occurs as a result of thermal isolation of enclosed waters or decay following a plankton bloom, sand gobies would be expected to swim away from the affected area. Intolerance to oxygenation is assessed as low. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Very low |
Biological pressures
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Intolerance | Recoverability | Sensitivity | Evidence / Confidence | |
Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasites [Show more]Introduction of microbial pathogens/parasitesBenchmark. Sensitivity can only be assessed relative to a known, named disease, likely to cause partial loss of a species population or community. Further details. EvidencePodocotyle atomon (Digenea) was noted to have a very high infestation rate in Pomatoschistus minutus (Zander et al., 1993). Neoechinorhynchus Rutili (Acanthocephala), Hysterothylacium sp. (Nematoda), and Bothriocephalus scorpii (Cestoda) were also noted by Zander et al. (1993) to infest the sand goby, in the SW Baltic Sea. Although no information was found about specific effects of these parasites on the sand goby, it is likely that it will cause a reduction in its fitness. High parasite levels have very little effect on Pomatoschistus microps (T. Matthews, pers. comm. to A. Jackson). Therefore, a low intolerance has been recorded. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Low |
Introduction of non-native species [Show more]Introduction of non-native speciesSensitivity assessed against the likely effect of the introduction of alien or non-native species in Britain or Ireland. Further details. EvidenceNo alien or non-native species are known to affect Pomatoschistus minutus in Britain and Ireland. | Tolerant | Not relevant | Not sensitive | Low |
Extraction of this species [Show more]Extraction of this speciesBenchmark. Extraction removes 50% of the species or community from the area under consideration. Sensitivity will be assessed as 'intermediate'. The habitat remains intact or recovers rapidly. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details. EvidenceAlthough of no commercial importance itself, the sand goby is incidentally caught in abundance in French Mediterranean lagoons (Quignard et al., 1983). The species is extremely common, and therefore extraction of the species is only likely to have slight effects on the population. Recoverability is likely to be high (see Additional Information section (1) below). | Low | High | Low | Low |
Extraction of other species [Show more]Extraction of other speciesBenchmark. A species that is a required host or prey for the species under consideration (and assuming that no alternative host exists) or a keystone species in a biotope is removed. Any effects of the extraction process on the habitat itself are addressed under other factors, e.g. displacement, abrasion and physical disturbance, and substratum loss. Further details. EvidencePomatoschistus minutus is not known to depend on any other species. Although of no commercial importance itself, it is incidentally caught in abundance in French Mediterranean lagoons (Quignard et al., 1983). Therefore, it is likely to be intolerant of fish trawls for the extraction of other species. | Low | Very high | Very Low | Low |
Additional information
- The sand goby becomes sexually mature at about 7 months to a year old (Miller, 1986). Although it has a short life span of about 1.3 to 2 years (Miller, 1986; Quignard et al., 1983), reproduction involves repeat spawning and fecundity is high (2,878 - 3,000 Miller, 1986).
- The impact of sewage sludge, which contains metals, organic contaminants, nutrients and parasites, on Pomatoschistus minutus was tested by Waring et al. (1996). This was achieved by exposing individuals to 0.1 % sewage sludge for 19 weeks prior to the end of spawning. Waring et al. (1996) found that although fecundity of female sand gobies was not affected, the survival rate of eggs and larvae was reduced, the number of spawning females was reduced, and male mortality was higher than usual. Contamination by sewage sludge would therefore decrease the recruitment potential and increase the mortality rate, leading to a decline in the overall population density.
Importance review
Policy/legislation
Designation | Support |
---|---|
Berne Convention | Appendix III |
Priority Marine Features (Scotland) | Yes |
Status
National (GB) importance | Not rare or scarce | Global red list (IUCN) category | - |
Non-native
Parameter | Data |
---|---|
Native | - |
Origin | - |
Date Arrived | Not relevant |
Importance information
Pomatoschistus minutus is protected under the Bern Convention, Appendix III (Protected Fauna Species). Under this the species is protected, but a certain exploitation is possible if the population level permits.Bibliography
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Datasets
Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre, 2017. BRERC species records recorded over 15 years ago. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/h1ln5p accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.
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Cofnod – North Wales Environmental Information Service, 2018. Miscellaneous records held on the Cofnod database. Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/hcgqsi accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-09-25.
Environmental Records Information Centre North East, 2018. ERIC NE Combined dataset to 2017. Occurrence dataset: http://www.ericnortheast.org.ukl accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-09-38
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Manx Biological Recording Partnership, 2022. Isle of Man historical wildlife records 1990 to 1994. Occurrence dataset:https://doi.org/10.15468/aru16v accessed via GBIF.org on 2024-09-27.
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NBN (National Biodiversity Network) Atlas. Available from: https://www.nbnatlas.org.
OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System), 2024. Global map of species distribution using gridded data. Available from: Ocean Biogeographic Information System. www.iobis.org. Accessed: 2024-10-09
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. SEWBReC Fish (South East Wales). Occurrence dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/htsfiy accessed via GBIF.org on 2018-10-02.
South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre, 2018. Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project. Occurance dataset: http://www.sewbrec.org.uk/ accessed via NBNAtlas.org on 2018-10-02
Citation
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Last Updated: 21/08/2007