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Slow goby (Aruma histrio) — Gobiidae

Slow goby

Aruma histrio
Family: Gobiidae
NE · Not Evaluated

The Slow goby (Aruma histrio) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–14.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The slow goby is a very small goby from the eastern Pacific, off the Gulf of California. The species reaches only about 7 cm and has an elongate, marbled body that blends in well among rocks and coral rubble. As its name suggests it moves slowly and keeps hidden in crevices, where it hunts small benthic life. The fish is harmless to humans and has no commercial value. The IUCN has not evaluated the species.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slow goby?

The Slow goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Marbled camouflage; slow, hidden rock goby

Where does the Slow goby live?

The Slow goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific

How big does the Slow goby get?

The Slow goby grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Slow goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Slow goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Slow goby edible?

The Slow goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Slow goby verified
Scientific name
Aruma histrio
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Slow goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Marbled sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
14.0 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small benthic life inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Hidden rock goby; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Marbled camouflage; slow, hidden rock goby sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

More from the family Gobiidae

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