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Swordfin goby (Gladiogobius ensifer) — Gobiidae

Swordfin goby

Gladiogobius ensifer
Family: Gobiidae

The Swordfin goby (Gladiogobius ensifer) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0.0–3.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Maldives, Palau and others

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Description

The swordfin goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef and rubble water of the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 4 cm and has a slender, pale, spotted body with an extended, sword-like first dorsal ray and fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a shy bottom-dweller it shelters among coral rubble and stones and snaps at small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Swordfin goby?

The Swordfin goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Swordfin goby live?

The Swordfin goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Maldives, Palau and others

How big does the Swordfin goby get?

The Swordfin goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Swordfin goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Swordfin 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Swordfin goby sourced
Scientific name
Gladiogobius ensifer
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Gladiator goby; Bandit goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
3.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Maldives, Palau and others sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
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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