Fin's Fish Guide
The Caspian ratan goby (Ponticola ratan) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and salt coastal water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, on sandy, silty and stony bottoms.
Description
The Caspian ratan goby is a Ponto-Caspian goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 20 cm. The brown-mottled body has a relatively large head; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives in brackish and salt coastal water of the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas, on sand, mud and stone bottoms, and tolerates strongly varying salinity. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, molluscs, worms and small fish. The male defends a territory and in spring guards the eggs laid under a stone or shell. Locally it is landed as bycatch.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Caspian ratan goby?
The Caspian ratan goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Ponto-Caspian goby with a brown marbled body and a relatively large head; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Caspian ratan goby live?
The Caspian ratan goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and salt coastal water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, on sandy, silty and stony bottoms.
How big does the Caspian ratan goby get?
The Caspian ratan goby grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Caspian ratan goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Caspian ratan goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Caspian ratan goby edible?
The Caspian ratan goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Ponticola
More from the family Gobiidae
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