Fin's Fish Guide
The Blacktip goby (Valenciennea sexguttata) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The sixspot sleeper goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 14 cm and has a whitish, silvery body with a row of small blue spots on the head and cheek. It inhabits silty or sandy parts of lagoons and bays and lives monogamously in pairs in a burrow under rocks. Characteristic is its foraging behaviour: it continuously takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts it through the gills to obtain small invertebrates. Sometimes it forms aggregations over large areas in atoll lagoons. Both partners defend the burrow.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blacktip goby?
The Blacktip goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Continuously sifts sand through the gills in search of prey; lives monogamously in a burrow.
Where does the Blacktip goby live?
The Blacktip goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific, in silty and sandy lagoons and bays.
How big does the Blacktip goby get?
The Blacktip goby grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Blacktip goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Blacktip goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blacktip goby edible?
The Blacktip goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Valenciennea
More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blacktip goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.