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Paradox goby (Gobiosoma paradoxum) — Gobiidae

Paradox goby

Gobiosoma paradoxum
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Paradox goby (Gobiosoma paradoxum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Gobiosoma paradoxum, the paradox goby, is a very small goby of the family Gobiidae from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific. The species reaches only about 4 cm and has an elongate, sparsely scaled or naked body. It lives on soft bottoms in mangrove estuaries, where it stays among roots and sediment. As a bottom dweller it feeds on small invertebrates. Owing to its small size and secretive habits the species is inconspicuous and has no fishery value; it is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of mangrove habitats.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Paradox goby?

The Paradox goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Paradox goby live?

The Paradox goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Paradox goby get?

The Paradox goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Paradox goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Paradox goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Paradox goby edible?

The Paradox goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Paradoxgrondel sourced
English name
Paradox goby verified
Scientific name
Gobiosoma paradoxum
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Paradox goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Gobiosoma

More from the family Gobiidae

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