Fin's Fish Guide
The Mangrove goby (Acentrogobius janthinopterus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Description
The robust mangrove goby is a goby of the Indo-Pacific, ranging from the eastern Indian Ocean to Japan and the Philippines. It grows to about 12.5 cm and has an elongate, pale grey to light brown body with brown mottling on the back and five dark blotches along the flank; iridescent green flecks mark the caudal fin. The fish has two separate dorsal fins, with the front spines drawn out into filaments in males. It lives on mud bottoms of estuaries, mangroves and marine lakes and tolerates salt, brackish and fresh water. The species is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Mangrove goby?
The Mangrove goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Five dark flank blotches; in males the dorsal fin spines are elongated into threads
Where does the Mangrove goby live?
The Mangrove goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Indo-Pacific
How big does the Mangrove goby get?
The Mangrove goby grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Mangrove goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Mangrove goby 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.
Is the Mangrove goby edible?
The Mangrove goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Acentrogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Mangrove goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Mangrove goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.