Fin's Fish Guide
The Quagga goby (Pomatoschistus quagga) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and gravel bottoms of shallow coastal water, often near seagrass.
Description
The quagga goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 6 cm. A row of dark, narrow cross-bars runs over the back and flank, recalling the stripe pattern of a zebra or quagga and giving the species its name; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species lives on sand and gravel bottoms of shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, often near seagrass beds. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans and worms. Breeding males are more boldly marked and defend a territory; they guard the eggs laid under a shell or stone. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Quagga goby?
The Quagga goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Small goby with a row of dark, narrow bars across the back, like a zebra or quagga; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Quagga goby live?
The Quagga goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and gravel bottoms of shallow coastal water, often near seagrass.
How big does the Quagga goby get?
The Quagga goby grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Quagga goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Quagga goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Quagga goby edible?
The Quagga goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Quagga 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 Quagga goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Quagga goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.