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Paradox goby (Gobiosoma paradoxum) — Gobiidae

Paradox goby

Gobiosoma paradoxum
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Paradox goby (Gobiosoma paradoxum) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Mangrove estuaries of the eastern Pacific.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Gobiosoma paradoxum, the paradox goby, is a very small goby of the family Gobiidae from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific. The species reaches only about 4 cm and has an elongate, sparsely scaled or naked body. It lives on soft bottoms in mangrove estuaries, where it stays among roots and sediment. As a bottom dweller it feeds on small invertebrates. Owing to its small size and secretive habits the species is inconspicuous and has no fishery value; it is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of mangrove habitats.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Paradox goby?

The Paradox goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Very small, sparsely scaled goby of mangrove estuaries.

Where does the Paradox goby live?

The Paradox goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mangrove estuaries of the eastern Pacific.

How big does the Paradox goby get?

The Paradox goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Paradox goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Paradox 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.

Is the Paradox goby edible?

The Paradox goby is not usually eaten.

More photos

Paradox goby (Gobiosoma paradoxum) — Gobiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Charles Henry Gilbert (Public domain)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Paradox goby verified
Scientific name
Gobiosoma paradoxum
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Paradox goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Mangrove estuaries of the eastern Pacific. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Very small, sparsely scaled goby of mangrove estuaries. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
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 Gobiosoma

More from the family Gobiidae

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