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Bearded goby (Barbulifer ceuthoecus) — Gobiidae

Bearded goby

Barbulifer ceuthoecus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Bearded goby (Barbulifer ceuthoecus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–5.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The bearded goby is a tiny goby of the family Gobiidae from the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to only about 3 cm and owes its name to small beard-like skin flaps on the chin and head. It lives near the water's edge on rubble bottoms and in clear coral reefs, where it hides in crevices and small holes. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on tiny invertebrates. Gobies have fused pelvic fins forming a sucker with which they can cling to the substrate. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bearded goby?

The Bearded goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Bearded goby live?

The Bearded goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Bearded goby get?

The Bearded goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Bearded goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Bearded goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Bearded goby edible?

The Bearded goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Baardgrondel sourced
English name
Bearded goby verified
Scientific name
Barbulifer ceuthoecus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Bearded goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Barbulifer

More from the family Gobiidae

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