Fin's Fish Guide
The Decorated goby (Istigobius decoratus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The decorated goby is a goby from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Persian Gulf and Red Sea to Samoa, Taiwan and Lord Howe Island. It grows to about 13 cm and has a brownish upper side with a white belly; dark scale margins form a honeycomb pattern and a midlateral row of double dark spots runs along the body, with a conspicuous inverted U-shaped mark by the upper jaw. It lives on coralline sand bottoms of clear lagoons and seaward reefs between 1 and 25 metres depth. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Decorated goby?
The Decorated goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Honeycomb pattern and an inverted U-shaped blotch at the upper jaw
Where does the Decorated goby live?
The Decorated goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Decorated goby get?
The Decorated goby grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Decorated goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Decorated goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Decorated goby edible?
The Decorated goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Istigobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Decorated goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Decorated goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.