Fin's Fish Guide
The Naked-headed goby (Favonigobius gymnauchen) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Northwest Pacific (Japan, Korea and China), on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The naked-headed goby is a small, semi-transparent goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 13 cm. The sand-coloured body bears rows of dark spots; as in many gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucker and the camouflage makes the fish nearly invisible on sand. The species lives on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries in the northwest Pacific and tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans, worms and midge larvae. In reproduction the male guards the eggs in a burrow under a shell or stone. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it draws little notice, but it is a link in the food web of the coastal zone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Naked-headed goby?
The Naked-headed goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Small, translucent sand goby with rows of dark blotches; fused pelvic fins form a sucker and the camouflage colouring hides it on sand.
Where does the Naked-headed goby live?
The Naked-headed goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific (Japan, Korea and China), on sandy bottoms of shallow coastal water and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Naked-headed goby get?
The Naked-headed goby grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Naked-headed goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Naked-headed goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Naked-headed goby edible?
The Naked-headed goby is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Favonigobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Naked-headed goby?
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