Fin's Fish Guide
The Giant goby (Gobius cobitis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky shores and in tide pools with strongly fluctuating salinity.
Description
The giant goby is, at a length of about 16 cm, the largest goby in Europe, of the family Gobiidae. The robust body is brown-green and mottled; as in other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to stones in the surf. The species inhabits rocky shores and tide pools of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often in high-lying pools with strongly varying salinity and temperature, where few other fish survive. As an omnivore it seeks small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and some algae. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone. Because of its size it sometimes catches the eye of rock-pool watchers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Giant goby?
The Giant goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. The largest European goby; sturdy, marbled brown-green, with pelvic fins fused into a small sucker; inhabits high rock pools.
Where does the Giant goby live?
The Giant goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky shores and in tide pools with strongly fluctuating salinity.
How big does the Giant goby get?
The Giant goby grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Giant goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Giant goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Giant goby edible?
The Giant goby is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Giant goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Giant goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Giant goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.