Fin's Fish Guide
The Long-tailed goby (Oxyurichthys microlepis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The long-tailed goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species reaches about 15 cm and has an elongate, sand-coloured body with a mottled pattern and a strikingly long, lance-shaped tail fin. It occurs in shallow coastal waters and estuaries with mud and sand bottoms, to about 75 m deep. As an omnivore it feeds on small bottom invertebrates and detritus. Through its inconspicuous, bottom-associated habits the species is little noticed; it is only occasionally found in mixed catches.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Long-tailed goby?
The Long-tailed goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a marbled pattern. Long, lance-shaped caudal fin; camouflaged inhabitant of muddy estuaries.
Where does the Long-tailed goby live?
The Long-tailed goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific, in coastal waters and estuaries.
How big does the Long-tailed goby get?
The Long-tailed goby grows to a maximum of about 15 cm. On average the species is around 10 cm.
Is the Long-tailed goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Long-tailed goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Long-tailed goby edible?
The Long-tailed goby is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Long-tailed goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Long-tailed goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Oxyurichthys
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Long-tailed goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Long-tailed goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.