394 Naked Goby 



Distribution: Newfoundland to New Jersey and as a strag- 

 gler south to Chesapeake Bay. 



Size: Reaches a length of about 15 inches and a weight of 

 IV2 pounds. 



General Information: The Cunner is an abundant coastal 

 species commonly found around rocks, wrecks, and the 

 pilings of wharves and bridges. In New England and parts 

 of New York it is found close to shore in bays, sounds, 

 and inlets. South of New York it frequents wrecks and the 

 rocky ledges offshore. Spawning occurs in spring and early 

 summer. The eggs are buoyant. The Cunner eats a wide 

 variety of foods including invertebrates, small fish, and 

 eel grass, and it is an avid scavenger. 



Economic Importance: The Cunner was formerly of some 

 importance as a commercial species in northern New Eng- 

 land, but now few are landed. It is a good pan fish esteemed 

 by New England anglers but regarded as a nuisance by 

 sport fishermen in the New York-New Jersey area because 

 of its ability to steal the bait offered for other species of 

 fishes. 



Naked Goby 

 Gobiosoma bosci (Lacepede) 



Color: Greenish to dusky above; pale below. Sides have 

 narrow pale crossbars. 



Distribution: Occurs from Massachusetts to Florida. 

 Size: Reaches a length of about 2Vi inches. 

 General Information: The Naked Goby is locally abun- 

 dant in protected waters close to shore. It is found com- 

 monly in brackish water and has been caught in fresh 

 water. Spawning takes place in spring and summer. The 

 eggs are sticky when first laid and are heavier than water. 

 This fish feeds mostly on small invertebrates. 



