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Marilyn's goby (Varicus marilynae) — Gobiidae

Marilyn's goby

Varicus marilynae
Family: Gobiidae

The Marilyn's goby (Varicus marilynae) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
2.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
61.0–91.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: USA

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Description

Marilyn's goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from deeper reef water of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a stocky, yellowish to orange body with large eyes. As a shy bottom-dweller it shelters among coral rubble and crevices of deeper reef walls and snaps at tiny crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Marilyn's goby?

The Marilyn's goby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Marilyn's goby live?

The Marilyn's goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: USA

How big does the Marilyn's goby get?

The Marilyn's goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Marilyn's goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Marilyn's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Marilyn's goby sourced
Scientific name
Varicus marilynae
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Orangebelly goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
2.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
61.0 verified
Max depth (m)
91.0 verified
Natural range
North America: USA 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

More from the family Gobiidae

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