Fin's Fish Guide
The Sand goby (Pomatoschistus minutus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Eastern Atlantic from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea, with the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy coastal and estuarine bottoms.
Description
The sand goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 11 cm. The slender, translucent sand-coloured body is covered with fine brown speckles, excellent camouflage on sandy bottoms; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. In the breeding season males develop a pale-edged blue spot on the first dorsal fin. The species lives on sandy coastal and estuarine bottoms of the eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Baltic, usually in shallow water. It hunts small crustaceans, worms and fish larvae. The male builds a nest under an empty shell, lures females and guards the eggs. As an abundant coastal fish it is important prey for birds and larger fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sand goby?
The Sand goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Small, translucent sand-coloured goby with pelvic fins fused into a small sucker; in the spawning season males have a blue blotch on the first dorsal fin.
Where does the Sand goby live?
The Sand goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea, with the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, on sandy coastal and estuarine bottoms.
How big does the Sand goby get?
The Sand goby grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Sand goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Sand goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sand goby edible?
The Sand goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sand 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 Sand goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sand goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.