Fin's Fish Guide
The Scaly boy (Aboma etheostoma) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of California southwards to northern Peru; shallow tidal areas and estuaries.
Description
The darter goby is a tiny goby of the family Gobiidae from the eastern Pacific. The species grows to only about 3.5 cm and has a slender, pale mottled body. It inhabits shallow intertidal areas with a sandy or muddy bottom, often in bays and estuaries. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Gobies cling to the substrate with their fused pelvic fins. It is a common, widespread species assessed by the IUCN as Least Concern (LC). Owing to its small size it has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Scaly boy?
The Scaly boy has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly white and shows a marbled pattern. Tiny marbled goby of tidal sand flats of the tropical eastern Pacific.
Where does the Scaly boy live?
The Scaly boy lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; from the Gulf of California southwards to northern Peru; shallow tidal areas and estuaries.
How big does the Scaly boy get?
The Scaly boy grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Scaly boy dangerous to humans?
No, the Scaly boy is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Scaly boy edible?
The Scaly boy is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
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