Fin's Fish Guide
The Norway goby (Pomatoschistus norvegicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of deeper coastal water than most related gobies.
Description
The Norway goby is a small, sandy-coloured goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 8 cm. The translucent body bears dark spots and resembles the sand goby, but the species usually lives in deeper water. Like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of deeper coastal water of the north-eastern Atlantic and the North Sea. On the bottom it searches for small zooplankton, small crustaceans and worms. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a shell or stone until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but it is an important prey for larger fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Norway goby?
The Norway goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, sand-coloured goby that resembles the common goby but lives deeper; translucent body with blotches and pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Norway goby live?
The Norway goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the North Sea, on sandy and silty bottoms of deeper coastal water than most related gobies.
How big does the Norway goby get?
The Norway goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Norway goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Norway goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Norway goby edible?
The Norway goby is not usually eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Norway 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 Norway goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Norway goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.