The blue banded goby is a very common fish in California, but go unnoticed by many divers. They are a small fish, typically growing around 2 inches in length, and are very wary of approaching divers. If you approach one of these fish too quickly or closely they will dart into nearby protective cracks and crevasses. For the best chance to see one of these fish you need to approach slowly and calmly. If you do you will see a bright red-orange fish with electric blue vertical stripes.

These gobies are carnivores but because of their size they are limited to very tiny organisms. They will eat small crustacean. Another interesting aspect of the blue banded goby is they can change genders. This is not uncommon among fish, but this goby is unique from most because it can change back and forth.

They are extremely common at Catalina and have earned the nickname "Catalina Goby".

Visit divecenter.com to get on one of our boats going to Catalina to see the Catalina Goby