Fin's Fish Guide
The Four-spotted goby (Deltentosteus quadrimaculatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms from shallow to several hundred metres deep.
Description
The four-spotted goby is a small, slender goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 10 cm. The sandy-coloured, translucent body bears a row of four dark spots along the flank, from which the species takes its name; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, from shallow water to several hundred metres, often deeper than many other gobies. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans and worms. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a shell or stone. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Four-spotted goby?
The Four-spotted goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender, sand-coloured small goby with a row of four dark blotches along the flank and pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Four-spotted goby live?
The Four-spotted goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms from shallow to several hundred metres deep.
How big does the Four-spotted goby get?
The Four-spotted goby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Four-spotted goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Four-spotted goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Four-spotted goby edible?
The Four-spotted goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Four-spotted goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Four-spotted goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Four-spotted goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.