Fin's Fish Guide
The Black-lined worm goby (Gunnellichthys pleurotaenia) is a saltwater fish of the family Microdesmidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Description
The onestripe wormfish is a strikingly elongate, worm-like fish from the western Pacific, ranging from Java and the Philippines to Samoa, Japan and the Great Barrier Reef. It grows to about 12 cm and has a thin, eel-like form with a black lateral stripe along the flank and a very long dorsal fin. It lives on shallow, flat sandy bottoms near seagrass and mangrove areas between 3 and 15 metres depth, often solitary or in pairs, and burrows in when threatened. It feeds on zooplankton. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black-lined worm goby?
The Black-lined worm goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Worm-shaped body with a black longitudinal stripe; burrows into sand
Where does the Black-lined worm goby live?
The Black-lined worm goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Black-lined worm goby get?
The Black-lined worm goby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Black-lined worm goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Black-lined worm goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Black-lined worm goby edible?
The Black-lined worm goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gunnellichthys
More from the family Microdesmidae
Want the complete picture on the Black-lined worm goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black-lined worm goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.