Fin's Fish Guide
The Gill's goby (Eutaeniichthys gilli) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.
East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), on tidal flats, in estuaries and mangroves with soft bottoms; tolerates brackish water.
Description
Gill's goby is a small, slender goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 4 cm. The brownish body bears a dark lengthwise stripe and has, as in many gobies, two separate dorsal fins and fused pelvic fins that work as a weak sucker. The species lives on soft mud and sand bottoms of tidal flats, estuaries and mangroves in East Asia and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it searches for small worms, crustaceans and midge larvae. In the warm season it spawns and lays its eggs sheltered in a burrow or under shells. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it draws little notice, but it is a link in the food web of the tidal zone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gill's goby?
The Gill's goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, slender goby of mudflats with a dark longitudinal stripe; lives on muddy bottoms of estuaries and mangroves.
Where does the Gill's goby live?
The Gill's goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), on tidal flats, in estuaries and mangroves with soft bottoms; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Gill's goby get?
The Gill's goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Gill's goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Gill's goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gill's goby edible?
The Gill's goby is not usually eaten.
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More from the family Gobiidae
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