Leopard-spotted goby, (Thorogobius ephippiatus)

Characteristics:
The large, dark blotches on grey, pinkish, brown or silver blue background gives it a characteristic look that can hardly be confused with any of the other gobies found in British waters. Another unique feature is the blue-edged fins. It can reach a body length of 13 cm

Habitat:
The leopard-spotted goby is usually found in sandy substrate, under crevices or rocks, around harbour walls, shallow reef structures such as wrecks an pipe work. It is most frequent on depths between 5 and 20 metres, but can be found in shallow sandy estuaries where weed beds are present.

Distribution:
This species was first registered in southern parts of Norway around 1980, but is rapidly spreading further north. Elsewhere it is registered around the British Isles and along the Atlantic coasts as far south as Madeira. There are also registrations from the Mediterranean.

Caught using:
ECOGEAR POWER ISOME, size S, colour RED mounted on a size 18 kamasan hook, 2lb fluorocarbon leader weighted with 2 AA split shot 3 inches up the trace. Method (LRF)

Location caught:
Weymouth Harbour (west side) summer