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Emblem goby (Microgobius emblematicus) — Gobiidae

Emblem goby

Microgobius emblematicus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Emblem goby (Microgobius emblematicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–36.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific, along the west coast of Central America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The emblem goby is a small bottom fish of the goby family (Gobiidae) of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 10 cm and has an elongate, translucent body with a silvery to bluish sheen. It lives on sand and mud bottoms with broken shell debris in shallow beach areas, where it uses burrows in the substrate. There it feeds on small invertebrates. Like many gobies its pelvic fins are fused into a sucker with which it can anchor itself on the bottom. The species has no commercial value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Emblem goby?

The Emblem goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Pelvic fins fused into a sucker; uses small burrows in the sandy bottom.

Where does the Emblem goby live?

The Emblem goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific, along the west coast of Central America.

How big does the Emblem goby get?

The Emblem goby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Emblem goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Emblem 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 Emblem goby edible?

The Emblem goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Emblem goby verified
Scientific name
Microgobius emblematicus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Emblem goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
36.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific, along the west coast of Central America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Spawns in coastal waters; males guard the eggs in a burrow. inferred
Special features
Pelvic fins fused into a sucker; uses small burrows in the sandy bottom. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Microgobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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