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Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) — Gobiidae

Hong Kong frillfin goby

Bathygobius hongkongensis
Family: Gobiidae

The Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–? m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Viet Nam, Thailand

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Description

The Hong Kong frillfin goby is a frillfin goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef and tidal water of the northwest Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky, brown-mottled body with loose, frill-like upper pectoral rays and fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among stones, coral and in tide pools and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and algae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Hong Kong frillfin goby?

The Hong Kong frillfin goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Hong Kong frillfin goby live?

The Hong Kong frillfin goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Viet Nam, Thailand

How big does the Hong Kong frillfin goby get?

The Hong Kong frillfin goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Hong Kong frillfin goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Hong Kong frillfin goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) — Gobiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) taiwan_habu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) — Gobiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) ayegege, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) — Gobiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) taiwan_habu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Hong Kong frillfin goby (Bathygobius hongkongensis) — Gobiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) H.T.Cheng, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Hong Kong frillfin goby sourced
Scientific name
Bathygobius hongkongensis
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Viet Nam, Thailand sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Bathygobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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