Fin's Fish Guide
The Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby (Favonigobius reichei) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The tropical sand goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 8 cm and has a slender, sand-coloured body with a mottled pattern that camouflages it excellently on sand and mud bottoms. It usually occurs in small groups in the intertidal zone, often in weedy areas, and also in mangroves, estuaries, lagoons and rivers. The species is euryhaline and tolerates fresh, brackish and salt water. The diet consists of small bottom invertebrates. Owing to its inconspicuous habits it is little noticed.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby?
The Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a marbled pattern. Camouflaged sand dweller of the intertidal zone; tolerates fresh, brackish and salt water.
Where does the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby live?
The Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific, in the intertidal zone and estuaries.
How big does the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby get?
The Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby edible?
The Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Favonigobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Indo-Pacific tropical sand goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.