An assemblage of Gobiidae in Lough Hyne, southwest Ireland, was investigated to assess interspecific and seasonal differences in microhabitat utilisation. Five microhabitat guilds were distinguished using canonical correspondence analysis, comprising 2 semi-hyperbenthic guilds and 3 epibenthic guilds. Differential preferences for each environmental variable measured were examined using Jacobs' version of Ivlev's electivity index. Members of different guilds exhibited differential microhabitat use, whilst members of the same guild exhibited only subtle differences in microhabitat utilisation. Few seasonal variations were observed, with guilds maintaining their separation seasonally.

Parameters of shelters utilized by Gobiuscruentatus and Thorogobius ephippiatus were measured, in situ, using SCUBA. Both species exhibited non‐random use of shelters, with T. ephippiatus, the smaller of the two species, utilizing significantly larger shelters than G. cruentatus. Interspecific size differences and competitive exclusion are not considered to be of major importance in the observed differential utilization of shelters. The size of shelters utilized by both species is suggested to be influenced by current velocities.

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