Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotlight goby (Elacatinus louisae) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Description
The spotlight goby is a small goby from the western central Atlantic, known from the Bahamas and Grand Cayman. It grows to only about 4 cm and has a slender body with a bright pale stripe, characteristic of the cleaner gobies. It lives on deep reefs between 13 and 45 metres, often on tube sponges, and behaves as a cleaner fish: it removes parasites and dead skin from larger fish, which come to be serviced. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotlight goby?
The Spotlight 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 on tube sponges
Where does the Spotlight goby live?
The Spotlight goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western central Atlantic
How big does the Spotlight goby get?
The Spotlight goby grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Spotlight goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotlight 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 Spotlight goby edible?
The Spotlight goby is not usually eaten.
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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 Spotlight goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotlight goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.