Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender goby (Gobius geniporus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 17 cm.
Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and seagrass bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
Description
The slender goby is a goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 16 cm and, as the name says, slimmer than most relatives. The light-brown mottled body bears a row of faint dark spots along the flank; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc, with which the fish clings to the bottom. The species lives on sand and seagrass bottoms of shallow to moderate water of the Mediterranean and the adjacent eastern Atlantic. On the bottom it hunts small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a stone or shell until they hatch. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Slender goby?
The Slender goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Slender goby with an elongate, light brown marbled body and a row of faint dark blotches along the flank; pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Slender goby live?
The Slender goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent eastern Atlantic, on sandy and seagrass bottoms of shallow to moderately deep water.
How big does the Slender goby get?
The Slender goby grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Slender goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Slender goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Slender goby edible?
The Slender goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Slender 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 Slender goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.