Fin's Fish Guide
The Dwarf goby (Lythrypnus elasson) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 2 cm.
Description
The dwarf goby is one of the smallest reef fishes in the world: this species of the family Gobiidae reaches only about 1.6 cm. It occurs in the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The body is reddish with narrow cross-bars. The fish lives on coral reefs and isolated coral heads, where it stays among branches and crevices and feeds on very small invertebrates. Because of its minuscule size the species has no fishery value, but it plays a role in the reef food web as prey for larger animals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dwarf goby?
The Dwarf goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly red-orange and shows a vertical stripes pattern. One of the smallest reef fishes (only ~1.6 cm); lives on coral heads.
Where does the Dwarf goby live?
The Dwarf goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; coral reefs.
How big does the Dwarf goby get?
The Dwarf goby grows to a maximum of about 2 cm.
Is the Dwarf goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Dwarf goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dwarf goby edible?
The Dwarf 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 Lythrypnus
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 Dwarf goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.