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Spotfin goby (Redigobius chrysosoma) — Gobiidae

Spotfin goby

Redigobius chrysosoma
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Spotfin goby (Redigobius chrysosoma) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.9 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–5.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean; brackish estuaries and mangroves.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The golden goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species is small and, as is typical of gobies, has pelvic fins fused into a sucker; males have a larger mouth than females. It inhabits brackish estuaries, tidal creeks and the lower reaches of rivers, often in mangrove areas. It lives bottom-bound and feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotfin goby?

The Spotfin goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Pelvic fins fused into a sucker; brackish-water goby of estuaries and mangroves.

Where does the Spotfin goby live?

The Spotfin goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean; brackish estuaries and mangroves.

How big does the Spotfin goby get?

The Spotfin goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Spotfin goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Spotfin goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Spotfin goby edible?

The Spotfin goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotfin goby verified
Scientific name
Redigobius chrysosoma
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.9 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
5.0 verified
Natural range
Western Pacific and eastern Indian Ocean; brackish estuaries and mangroves. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Pelvic fins fused into a sucker; brackish-water goby of estuaries and mangroves. 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
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Redigobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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