Fin's Fish Guide
The Sarato's goby (Gobius fallax) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow coastal water.
Description
Sarato's goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 9 cm. The brown-mottled body blends well against rocks and stones; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom in the surf. The species closely resembles several related coastal gobies and was long confused with them. It lives on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow coastal water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid in a crevice 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 Sarato's goby?
The Sarato's goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, brown marbled goby of rocky coasts; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker, closely resembles several related coastal gobies.
Where does the Sarato's goby live?
The Sarato's goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on rocky and stony bottoms of shallow coastal water.
How big does the Sarato's goby get?
The Sarato's goby grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Sarato's goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Sarato's goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sarato's goby edible?
The Sarato's goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sarato's 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 Sarato's goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sarato's goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.