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Panther goby (Barbulifer pantherinus) — Gobiidae

Panther goby

Barbulifer pantherinus
Family: Gobiidae

The Panther goby (Barbulifer pantherinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5.2 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–32.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The Panther goby is a very small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a stocky, pale with dark panther spots body with fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a shy bottom-dweller it hides deep in coral crevices, sponges and small holes and snaps at tiny crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Panther goby?

The Panther goby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Panther goby live?

The Panther goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. North America: Mexico

How big does the Panther goby get?

The Panther goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Panther goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Panther 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
Panther goby sourced
Scientific name
Barbulifer pantherinus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Panther goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
32.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Mexico 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

Same genus Barbulifer

More from the family Gobiidae

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