The Canestrini's goby (Pomatoschistus canestrinii) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Northern Adriatic Sea and surroundings, in brackish coastal lagoons, river deltas and estuaries with soft, vegetated water.
Description
Canestrini's goby is a small, sandy-coloured goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 5 cm. The translucent body bears a few dark spots; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species is largely tied to brackish coastal lagoons, river deltas and estuaries of the northern Adriatic Sea and surroundings, where it tolerates strongly varying salinity and lives in soft, vegetated water. On the bottom it searches for small zooplankton, small crustaceans and worms. Breeding males are darker and defend a territory; they guard the eggs laid under a shell until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is typical of the lagoon environment.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Canestrini's goby?
The Canestrini's goby is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, sand-coloured lagoon goby with a few dark blotches; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker. Confined to brackish coastal lagoons.
Where does the Canestrini's goby live?
The Canestrini's goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northern Adriatic Sea and surroundings, in brackish coastal lagoons, river deltas and estuaries with soft, vegetated water.
How big does the Canestrini's goby get?
The Canestrini's goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Canestrini's goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Canestrini's goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Canestrini's goby edible?
The Canestrini's goby is not usually eaten.
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Pomatoschistus
More from the family Gobiidae

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