Introducing the paganel goby
A member of the large gobiidae family, the paganel goby rarely exceeds 13 centimeters.
Its scientific name is gobius paganellus, and its body is light or dark brown, depending on the biotope it frequents. Its imposing head has two protruding eyes and, like most gobies, thick lips. Its pelvic fins form a suction cup that enables it to hold onto the bottom more easily.
The paganel goby can be confused with a small, large-headed goby. To differentiate easily, simply inspect the top of the dorsal fin. In the paganel goby, the top of the dorsal fin is yellow to orange.
Habitat and behavior
The paganel goby is omnipresent in the Mediterranean, but also on the Atlantic coast, in the North Sea and in the English Channel. They can be found from the first few centimeters to a depth of around ten meters. The paganel goby is equally at home on rocky coasts and sandy-muddy areas. It hides in the slightest crevice that provides shelter.
This small goby tends to be voracious, pouncing on any potential prey passing within its reach. A carnivorous fish, it feeds on small crustaceans, larvae, worms or small fish.
Paganel goby fishing
Paganel goby fishing is the ideal type of practice for introducing a child to fishing by the sea. A very abundant fish near harbours, it is very easy to initiate a child by getting him to catch a maximum number of fish in a short space of time. The best time to fish is when the water is clear, to enhance the sensations of sight fishing.
All you need to do is rig up a lightly weighted fine line and eschew a piece of worm, shrimp or even paste, and hope to catch these gluttonous little gobies. Place the bait on the bottom and give it a few tugs to make it slide. Numerous gobies, both black and pagan, will compete for the bait.
Paganel gobies can also be fished with small soft lures in the rockfishing .
