Fin's Fish Guide
The Red-mouthed goby (Gobius cruentatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 18 cm.
Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and mixed bottoms from shallow water to a few tens of metres deep.
Description
The red-mouthed goby is a sturdy bottom goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 18 cm. The stout, brownish mottled body stands out for conspicuous red lines and spots around the mouth and on the cheeks, from which the species takes its name; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species lives on rock and mixed bottoms of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow water to a few tens of metres. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid in a cavity or under a stone until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red-mouthed goby?
The Red-mouthed goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Sturdy goby with striking red lines and blotches around the mouth and on the cheeks, and pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Red-mouthed goby live?
The Red-mouthed goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on rocky and mixed bottoms from shallow water to a few tens of metres deep.
How big does the Red-mouthed goby get?
The Red-mouthed goby grows to a maximum of about 18 cm.
Is the Red-mouthed goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Red-mouthed goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red-mouthed goby edible?
The Red-mouthed goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Red-mouthed 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 Gobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Red-mouthed goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red-mouthed goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.