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Goby (Paragobiodon echinocephalus) — Gobiidae

Goby

Paragobiodon echinocephalus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Goby (Paragobiodon echinocephalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–47.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The redhead goby is a tiny goby of the family Gobiidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to only about 4 cm and has a stocky body with a dark, small-knobbed ('spiny') reddish head and a darker rear body. It lives exclusively among the branches of branching stony corals, especially of the genus Stylophora, where pairs live monogamously and shelter. As a small dweller it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The coral host provides protection from predators. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Goby?

The Goby has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Goby live?

The Goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Goby get?

The Goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Goby edible?

The Goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Stekelkop-koraalgrondel sourced
English name
Goby verified
Scientific name
Paragobiodon echinocephalus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Redhead; Redhead coral goby; Redhead goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
47.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Paragobiodon

More from the family Gobiidae

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