Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled goby (Pomatoschistus marmoratus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water, especially in brackish lagoons and estuaries.
Description
The marbled goby is a small, sandy-coloured goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 8 cm. The translucent body bears a fine marbled pattern with a few dark saddle blotches on the back; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species tolerates strongly varying salinity and lives mainly in brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sand and mud bottoms of shallow water. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans and worms. Breeding males are darker and defend a territory; they guard the eggs laid under a shell or stone until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled goby?
The Marbled goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, sand-coloured goby with a finely marbled pattern and a few dark saddle blotches; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Marbled goby live?
The Marbled goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and silty bottoms of shallow coastal water, especially in brackish lagoons and estuaries.
How big does the Marbled goby get?
The Marbled goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Marbled goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Marbled goby edible?
The Marbled goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Marbled goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pomatoschistus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Marbled goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.