California’s goby is actually two different fish

Southern version gets its own name

Southern tidewater goby

SEPARATE SPECIES  California's southern tidewater goby (above) has several physical and genetic differences that distinguish it from the northern tidewater goby (shown below). Both are endangered.

Brent Spies

It’s official: The southern tidewater goby is a thing. And it’s chubbier and nubbier than its northern cousin.