Fin's Fish Guide
The Golden goby (Gobius xanthocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and stony bottoms from shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The golden goby is a sturdy, bottom-dwelling goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 10 cm. The stout, yellow-brown body bears fine dark spots and, especially on the head and cheeks, yellow spots, from which the species takes its name; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species lives on rock and stone bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow to moderate depths, sheltering among stones. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a stone or in a cavity. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Golden goby?
The Golden goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sturdy rock goby with yellowish brown tints and yellow spots on the head; pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Golden goby live?
The Golden goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and stony bottoms from shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Golden goby get?
The Golden goby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Golden goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Golden goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Golden goby edible?
The Golden goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Golden 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 Golden goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Golden goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.