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Blackfin coral goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus) — Gobiidae

Blackfin coral goby

Paragobiodon lacunicolus
Family: Gobiidae

The Blackfin coral goby (Paragobiodon lacunicolus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–80.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Tuamotu Is., Kiribati and others

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Description

The Blackfin coral goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from shallow coastal and reef water of the coral reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a stocky body with pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which it holds on. As a bottom-dweller it lives sheltered among coral branches, stones or in small burrows and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and plankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Blackfin coral goby?

The Blackfin coral goby has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Blackfin coral goby live?

The Blackfin coral goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Tuamotu Is., Kiribati and others

How big does the Blackfin coral goby get?

The Blackfin coral goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Blackfin coral goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Blackfin coral 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Blackfin coral goby sourced
Scientific name
Paragobiodon lacunicolus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Blackfin coralgoby; Blackfin goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
80.0 verified
Natural range
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Fiji, Tuamotu Is., Kiribati and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Paragobiodon

More from the family Gobiidae

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