Fin's Fish Guide
The Stellate tadpole goby (Benthophilus stellatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea basins, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The stellate tadpole goby is a strange, tadpole-like goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 13 cm. The broad, strongly flattened head merges into a rearward-tapering, tadpole-like body; the scaleless skin is studded with bony tubercles resembling little stars, from which the species takes its name. Beneath the chin it carries a barbel. The species comes from the Ponto-Caspian region and lives on sand and mud bottoms of brackish and fresh water in the Black and Caspian Sea drainages. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, molluscs and worms. It spawns once in spring, after which the adults usually die. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Stellate tadpole goby?
The Stellate tadpole goby has an irregular in shape body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Odd, tadpole-like small goby with a broad, flattened head, a scaleless body studded with bony tubercles (little stars) and a chin barbel.
Where does the Stellate tadpole goby live?
The Stellate tadpole goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea, Sea of Azov and Caspian Sea basins, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Stellate tadpole goby get?
The Stellate tadpole goby grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Stellate tadpole goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Stellate tadpole goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Stellate tadpole goby edible?
The Stellate tadpole goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Stellate tadpole 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 Benthophilus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Stellate tadpole goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stellate tadpole goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.