Sand Gobies Differentiation

Notes:
Sand Gobies (Coryphopterus species) are very similar in appearance, with one species having fairly recently been split into 3 different species (hence some books and web resources are out of date on this issue), with small differences seen in external markings and some habitat differences, though the latter can overlap and are not rigidly set in stone. Links to individual pages
Bridled Goby: Coryphopterus glaucofraenum
Sand Canyon Goby: C. venezulae
Patch Reef Goby: C. tortugae
Colon Goby, C. dicrus

All can pale or darken dramatically according to background. Distinguishing markings may be hard to discern on very pale individuals.

	Common Name	Pale spots behind eye	Nape markings	Markings at base of pectoral fin	Body markings	Tail base markings	Primary Habitat
1	BRIDLED	Second spot elevated	Dark spots	None	Brown "X"s White Speckles	2 dark spots - can be joined by thin line	<20ft Mangroves
2	SAND CANYON	Level row	Dark lines	1 dark spot, can pale to yellowish	White Speckles	2 dark spots - can be joined by thin line	Sand areas around reefs and rocks, usually 30-100ft, but common in shallows in Antigua
3	PATCH REEF not yet recorded	Level row	Dark lines	None	White Speckles	2 dark spots - can be joined by thin line	Sand areas around reefs and rocks, usually<30ft
4	COLON	None	Large brown spots	2 dark to yellowish spots Occasionally 1, or none	Brown speckles	None	Sand areas around reefs and rocks, usually 6-50ft,
5	PALLID	None	None	None	Orange/ Yellow broken stripes	Dark bar	Coral sand