Fin's Fish Guide
The Rock goby (Gobius paganellus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
Description
The rock goby is a sturdy, bottom-dwelling goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 13 cm. The stout, brownish mottled body has a blunt head and, like other gobies, pelvic fins fused into a sucking disc with which the fish clings to stones; the first dorsal fin often has a pale upper margin. The species lives in tide pools and on shallow rocky and weed shores of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is active mainly at dusk and hunts small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a stone until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Rock goby?
The Rock goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Sturdy rock goby with fused pelvic fins that form a sucker; often with a pale upper edge to the first dorsal fin.
Where does the Rock goby live?
The Rock goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from the British Isles to West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.
How big does the Rock goby get?
The Rock goby grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Rock goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Rock goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Rock goby edible?
The Rock goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Rock 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 Rock goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Rock goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.