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Biology ofMicrogobius thalassinus (pisces: gobiidae), a sponge-inhabiting goby of Chesapeake Bay, with range extensions of two goby associates

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Chesapeake Science

Abstract

M. thalassinus remained an obscure species until it was discovered that it is another goby that often associates with sponges. By season and depth,Microciona prolifera was found to be the selected habitat in the Patuxent River (Green Holly Bar), adjacent Chesapeake Bay, and seaside mud-oyster habitats. Past and present distributions are compared with the 141 specimens that were collected between 1958 and 1968. Additional comments are presented on body morphology and meristics, color, aquarium observations, food behavior, growth, larvae, gonad condition, and associated species. The ranges ofMicrogobius gulosus andGobiosoma robustum are extended to the Patuxent River, Maryland.

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  1. Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina, 28557, Morehead City, N.C.

    Frank J. Schwartz

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  1. Frank J. Schwartz
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Schwartz, F.J. Biology ofMicrogobius thalassinus (pisces: gobiidae), a sponge-inhabiting goby of Chesapeake Bay, with range extensions of two goby associates. Chesapeake Science 12, 156–166 (1971). https://doi.org/10.2307/1350775

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