Fin's Fish Guide
The Railway sleeper goby (Valenciennea helsdingenii) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Marquesas Is., French Polynesia and others
Description
The Railway sleeper goby is a sleeper goby (Gobiidae) from shallow sand and reef water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 14 cm and has an elongate, pale white with two orange-brown longitudinal stripes body with large eyes. Characteristically it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates; it often lives in pairs by a shared burrow. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Railway sleeper goby?
The Railway sleeper goby has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly white.
Where does the Railway sleeper goby live?
The Railway sleeper goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Australia, Solomon Is., Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel), Marquesas Is., French Polynesia and others
How big does the Railway sleeper goby get?
The Railway sleeper goby grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 18 cm.
Is the Railway sleeper goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Railway sleeper 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 Railway sleeper goby edible?
Yes, the Railway sleeper goby is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Valenciennea
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Railway sleeper goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Railway sleeper goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.