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Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae

Pygmy goby

Chriolepis dialepta
Family: Gobiidae

The Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The pygmy goby is a very small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a stocky, semi-translucent, lightly spotted body with fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a shy bottom-dweller it hides deep in coral crevices, under stones and in small holes and snaps at tiny crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pygmy goby?

The Pygmy goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Pygmy goby live?

The Pygmy goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Pygmy goby get?

The Pygmy goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Pygmy goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Pygmy goby is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Dwerg-spookgrondel sourced
English name
Pygmy goby sourced
Scientific name
Chriolepis dialepta
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
White-starred goby sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3 inferred
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Chriolepis

More from the family Gobiidae

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