Fin's Fish Guide
The Common goby (Pomatoschistus microps) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Northwest Africa, with the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, in estuaries, tide pools and brackish water.
Description
The common goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 9 cm. The slender, sandy-brown body is covered with fine speckles, good camouflage on sand and mud bottoms; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. In the breeding season males develop a pale-edged dark band on the first dorsal fin. The species is above all an inhabitant of estuaries, tide pools and brackish water along the eastern Atlantic coast, the North Sea and the Baltic, and tolerates strongly varying salinity and temperature. It hunts small crustaceans, worms and midge larvae. The male builds a nest under an empty shell, lures females and guards the eggs. As an abundant coastal fish it is important prey for birds and larger fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common goby?
The Common goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small sand-coloured goby with pelvic fins fused into a small sucker; in the spawning season males have a dark band with a pale edge on the first dorsal fin.
Where does the Common goby live?
The Common goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to Northwest Africa, with the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, in estuaries, tide pools and brackish water.
How big does the Common goby get?
The Common goby grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Common goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Common goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common goby edible?
The Common goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomatoschistus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Common goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.