Fin's Fish Guide
The Racer goby (Babka gymnotrachelus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 16 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: fresh and brackish water of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea basins, on vegetated and stony bottoms.
Description
The racer goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 16 cm and native to the Ponto-Caspian region. The brownish body bears a row of dark, oblique cross-bars; characteristic is the scaleless, 'naked' nape (hence the name). Like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives on vegetated and stony bottoms of fresh and brackish water in the Black and Caspian Sea drainages. On the bottom it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans and molluscs. Through connected rivers and canals it is spreading northward across central Europe. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Racer goby?
The Racer goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. Ponto-Caspian goby with a row of dark, oblique vertical bars and a scaleless (naked) nape; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Racer goby live?
The Racer goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Ponto-Caspian region: fresh and brackish water of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea basins, on vegetated and stony bottoms.
How big does the Racer goby get?
The Racer goby grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the Racer goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Racer goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Racer goby edible?
The Racer goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Racer goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Racer goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Racer goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Racer goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.