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Eelgoby (Akko brevis) — Gobiidae

Eelgoby

Akko brevis
Family: Gobiidae

The Eelgoby (Akko brevis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–20.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Panama

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Description

The eelgoby is an eel-like goby (Gobiidae) from muddy coastal waters and estuaries of the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has an elongate, pale body with strongly reduced eyes and confluent dorsal, tail and anal fins. As a burrowing bottom-dweller it lives in self-dug tunnels in soft mud and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Eelgoby?

The Eelgoby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly pink-purple.

Where does the Eelgoby live?

The Eelgoby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Panama

How big does the Eelgoby get?

The Eelgoby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Eelgoby dangerous to humans?

No, the Eelgoby 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Eelgoby sourced
Scientific name
Akko brevis
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
12 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Pink / purple sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
20.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Panama sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Akko

More from the family Gobiidae

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