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Knysna sandgoby (Psammogobius knysnaensis) — Gobiidae

Knysna sandgoby

Psammogobius knysnaensis
Family: Gobiidae

The Knysna sandgoby (Psammogobius knysnaensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Africa: South Africa

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Description

The Knysna sandgoby is a goby (Gobiidae) from shallow coastal, reef and estuarine water of the estuaries and coasts of southern Africa. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky body with pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which it holds on. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among coral, stones or in small burrows and snaps at small crustaceans, worms and plankton. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Knysna sandgoby?

The Knysna sandgoby has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Knysna sandgoby live?

The Knysna sandgoby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Africa: South Africa

How big does the Knysna sandgoby get?

The Knysna sandgoby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Knysna sandgoby dangerous to humans?

No, the Knysna sandgoby 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Knysna sandgoby sourced
Scientific name
Psammogobius knysnaensis
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Africa: South Africa 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 Psammogobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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