Fin's Fish Guide
The Darter goby (Ctenogobius boleosoma) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water; tolerates widely varying salinities.
Description
The darter goby is a small, slender goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 8 cm. The brownish body bears a row of dark V- or diamond-shaped blotches on the flank; like all true gobies it has the pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water along the western Atlantic coast from the USA to Brazil and tolerates strongly varying salinities. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and zooplankton, often in short hops ('darts'). The male guards the laid eggs. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is a link in the estuarine food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Darter goby?
The Darter goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, slender goby with a row of dark V- or diamond-shaped blotches on the flank and pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Darter goby live?
The Darter goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic from the USA to Brazil, over sand and silty bottoms of estuaries, lagoons and coastal water; tolerates widely varying salinities.
How big does the Darter goby get?
The Darter goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Darter goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Darter goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Darter goby edible?
The Darter goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Ctenogobius
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 Darter goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.