Fin's Fish Guide
The Shark nose goby (Elacatinus evelynae) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The sharknose goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from the western Atlantic and the Caribbean. The species grows to a few centimetres and has a dark body with a brightly coloured, glowing lengthwise stripe from the snout to the tail. It inhabits coral reefs in clear, oceanic water around islands, usually in pairs at coral heads. It is a cleaner fish: it runs a 'cleaning station' where larger fishes come to have parasites, dead skin and mucus removed. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Shark nose goby?
The Shark nose goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly black and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Cleaner fish that removes parasites from larger fishes; lives monogamously in pairs at coral heads.
Where does the Shark nose goby live?
The Shark nose goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Atlantic and Caribbean; clear coral reefs.
How big does the Shark nose goby get?
The Shark nose goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Shark nose goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Shark nose goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Shark nose goby edible?
The Shark nose goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Shark nose goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shark nose goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Elacatinus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Shark nose goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Shark nose goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.