Fin's Fish Guide
The Cleaner goby (Elacatinus genie) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Western central Atlantic: Bahamas and Grand Cayman; reef-associated on living coral.
Description
The cleaner goby (Elacatinus genie) is a tiny reef goby of the western central Atlantic, known from the Bahamas and Grand Cayman. It reaches only 4.5 centimetres and lives on live coral at 1-30 metres. The whitish body bears two black longitudinal stripes separated by a band that is bright yellow on the head. Adults are cleaners: they remove skin parasites from other reef fishes, which present themselves at fixed cleaning stations. The species forms monogamous pairs. It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cleaner goby?
The Cleaner goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Cleaner fish that removes parasites from other reef fishes at fixed cleaning stations; two black stripes with yellow on the head.
Where does the Cleaner goby live?
The Cleaner goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western central Atlantic: Bahamas and Grand Cayman; reef-associated on living coral.
How big does the Cleaner goby get?
The Cleaner goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Cleaner goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Cleaner goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cleaner goby edible?
The Cleaner 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 Elacatinus
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 Cleaner goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.