Fin's Fish Guide
The Crystal goby (Crystallogobius linearis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Northeast Atlantic, the North Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in open water above the continental shelf.
Description
The crystal goby is a very small, almost transparent goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 5 cm. Unlike most gobies, which live on the bottom, the crystal goby drifts freely in the open water; its glass-clear body makes it almost invisible in the water. The sexes differ: the male has large canine teeth and a sturdier build than the slender, transparent female. The species lives pelagically above the continental shelf of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the western Mediterranean. Hovering in the water it picks small zooplankton. The male guards the eggs in an abandoned tube worm or empty shell. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is an important prey.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Crystal goby?
The Crystal goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly white and shows a plain pattern. Very small, almost transparent goby that hovers freely in the water instead of living on the bottom; the male has large canines.
Where does the Crystal goby live?
The Crystal goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around open water. Northeast Atlantic, the North Sea and the western Mediterranean Sea, pelagic in open water above the continental shelf.
How big does the Crystal goby get?
The Crystal goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Crystal goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Crystal goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Crystal goby edible?
The Crystal goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Crystal goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Crystal goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Crystal goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.