Fin's Fish Guide
The Knout goby (Mesogobius batrachocephalus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, with the lower reaches of rivers and coastal lagoons.
Description
The knout goby is a robust goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 35 cm, one of the largest gobies of the Black Sea. Characteristic is the broad, flattened head that recalls a frog; the brownish body bears a few dark saddle blotches. Like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species comes from the Ponto-Caspian region and lives on sand and mud bottoms of brackish and fresh water of the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas. As a predatory goby it hunts small fish, crustaceans and worms. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone or shell. Because of its size it is locally a valued sport and food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Knout goby?
The Knout goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Robust Ponto-Caspian goby with a broad, flattened 'frog head' and a few dark saddle blotches; one of the largest gobies of the Black Sea.
Where does the Knout goby live?
The Knout goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea, with the lower reaches of rivers and coastal lagoons.
How big does the Knout goby get?
The Knout goby grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Knout goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Knout goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Knout goby edible?
Yes, the Knout goby is commonly eaten.
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All data
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More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Knout goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.