Description
Some gobies are difficult to indentify. The common goby (P. microps) is distinguished by a triangular black spot at the base of the pectoral fin. Lozano's goby (P. lozanoi) has no external characteristics which distinguishes him from the sand goby (P. minutus). The only difference is the number of vertebrae! The painted goby (P. pictus) has two rows of dark dots on the dorsal and first three rows on the second. In spring to early summer spawning. Eggs are often deposited after fertilization in empty shells or other hard substrate. The food consists of small shrimps and worms.

Size
Can grow up to 90 mm long.

Colour
The slender body is brown at the dorsal side and the ventral side is lighter. Two rows of dark spots in the dorsal fins and a orange band above these spots.

Habitat
Sand and gravel sea floors, from the low water line up to a depth of 25 metres.

Distribution
North eastern Atlantic from Norway to Spain and the Meaditerranean.