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Goby (Istigobius ornatus) — Gobiidae

Goby

Istigobius ornatus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Goby (Istigobius ornatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
11 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–5.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The ornate goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a pale, translucent body with an ornate pattern of fine spots and dashes. It is common in mangroves and silty, rocky coastal areas and is occasionally found in rubble reef zones. As a small bottom dweller it searches the soft bottom for small invertebrates. Gobies have fused pelvic fins forming a sucker with which they can cling to the substrate. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goby?

The Goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Goby live?

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

How big does the Goby get?

The Goby grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Goby edible?

The Goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Sierlijke grondel sourced
English name
Goby verified
Scientific name
Istigobius ornatus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Ornate goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
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 Istigobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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