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Twoscale goby (Gobiosoma longipala) — Gobiidae

Twoscale goby

Gobiosoma longipala
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Twoscale goby (Gobiosoma longipala) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Sandy and shell bottoms of coastal waters of the western Atlantic.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Gobiosoma longipala, the twoscale goby, is a very small goby of the family Gobiidae from the western Atlantic. The species has an elongate, sparsely scaled, pale body and reaches only about 5 cm. It generally occurs on sand and shell bottoms of coastal waters, where it stays among the sediment. As a bottom dweller it feeds on small invertebrates. Owing to its minute size the species has no fishery value and is mainly of interest for the biodiversity of soft-bottom habitats. Like many gobies the male guards the eggs until they hatch.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twoscale goby?

The Twoscale goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small, sparsely scaled goby of sandy and shelly bottoms.

Where does the Twoscale goby live?

The Twoscale goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Sandy and shell bottoms of coastal waters of the western Atlantic.

How big does the Twoscale goby get?

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

Is the Twoscale goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Twoscale 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 Twoscale goby edible?

The Twoscale goby is not usually eaten.

More photos

Twoscale goby (Gobiosoma longipala) — Gobiidae — 2
Squidpastry (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Twoscale goby (Gobiosoma longipala) — Gobiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Squidpastry, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Twoscale goby verified
Scientific name
Gobiosoma longipala
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Sandy and shell bottoms of coastal waters of the western Atlantic. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Very small, sparsely scaled goby of sandy and shelly bottoms. 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

Same genus Gobiosoma

More from the family Gobiidae

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