Fin's Fish Guide
The Bath's goby (Pomatoschistus bathi) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
Bath's goby is, at a length of about 3 cm, one of the smallest gobies and smallest fish in Europe, of the family Gobiidae. The translucent, sandy-coloured little body bears a few small dark spots; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives on sand bottoms of shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. On the bottom it searches for very small crustaceans and worms. It is short-lived and spawns in the warm season, the male guarding the eggs laid under a shell until they hatch. Because of its minuscule size it is rarely noticed and has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bath's goby?
The Bath's goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. One of the smallest gobies in Europe; translucent, sand-coloured little body with a few small dark blotches and pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Bath's goby live?
The Bath's goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Bath's goby get?
The Bath's goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Bath's goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Bath's goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bath's goby edible?
The Bath's goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bath's goby and live in the same waters.
Want the complete picture on the Bath's goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bath's goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomatoschistus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Bath's goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bath's goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.