Fin's Fish Guide
The Burrowing goby (Trypauchen vagina) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The burrowing goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species has an elongate, eel-like, pinkish-red body with greatly reduced eyes and a continuous fin margin, adapted to a burrowing life. It is common in coastal zones and lives along the bottom in tidal rivers and estuaries, where it stays in self-dug tunnels in the mud. It feeds on small bottom life and detritus. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Burrowing goby?
The Burrowing goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a plain pattern. Eel-shaped, pinkish-red body with reduced eyes; digs burrows in the mud of estuaries.
Where does the Burrowing goby live?
The Burrowing goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; tidal rivers and estuaries.
How big does the Burrowing goby get?
The Burrowing goby grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Burrowing goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Burrowing goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Burrowing goby edible?
The Burrowing goby is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Burrowing goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Burrowing goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Burrowing goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.