Gobius kolombatovici Kovačić & Miller 2000

Distinguishable from the other north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Gobius species by: (1) row g reaching lateral end of row o, (2) row o variably related to fellow in dorsal midline, usually connected or overlapping, but sometimes separate (in fig.4), (3) body and head with orange spots and blotches, body spots and blotches clearly visible even in preserved specimens, after loss of orange coloration, and (4) first dorsal fin with black blotch in upper posterior corner, remaining also in preserved specimens. It further differs from G. cruentatus in (1) absence of cheek scales, and (2) shorter row x, not reaching pore ß anteriorly. G. kolombatovici also differs by a higher number of scales in lateral series (Ref. 37044).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 13 - 14; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 13; Vertebrae: 28

Gobius kolombatovici is a bottom-dwelling and secretive species, observed at depths of 15-38 m. It was found to inhabit localities with a combination of soft sediment and rock. Common fish in the same habitat are epibenthic Gobius vittatus, Parablennius rouxi, Thorogobius macrolepis and hyper-benthic Coris julis, Chromis chromis and Serranus hepatus (Ref. 37044).

Gobius kolombatovici is a species of goby native to the northern Adriatic Sea where it occurs at depths of from 15 to 38 metres (49 to 125 ft) in areas with patches of rock and softer sediments. This species can reach a length of 9.2 centimetres (3.6 in) SL. The specific name honours the Croatian mathematician, naturalist and taxonomist Juraj Kolombatovic (1843-1908), who carried out extensive work on the small inshore fishes of the Adriatic Sea.