Fin's Fish Guide
The Naked goby (Gobiosoma bosc) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Western Atlantic along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico, in oyster reefs, estuaries and seagrass; tolerates widely varying salinities.
Description
The naked goby is a small, scaleless goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 6 cm. The brown, scaleless body bears dark cross-bands; like all true gobies it has the pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which the fish holds on. The species lives in oyster reefs, estuaries and seagrass beds along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico and tolerates strongly varying salinities; it is strongly tied to oyster reefs. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and growth. The male guards the eggs laid in an empty oyster shell. Because of its small size it has no fishery value, but it is a link in the oyster-reef food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Naked goby?
The Naked goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small, scaleless goby with dark vertical bars and pelvic fins fused into a sucker; often lives in oyster reefs.
Where does the Naked goby live?
The Naked goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic along the east coast of the USA and the Gulf of Mexico, in oyster reefs, estuaries and seagrass; tolerates widely varying salinities.
How big does the Naked goby get?
The Naked goby grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.
Is the Naked goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Naked goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Naked goby edible?
The Naked goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Gobiosoma
More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Naked goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.