Fin's Fish Guide
The Western Greece goby (Economidichthys pygmaeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Endemic to the fresh water of western Greece and adjacent lakes such as Prespa, in slow-flowing to standing, densely vegetated water of lakes, swamps and streams.
Description
The Western Greece goby is a very small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 5 cm, among the smallest freshwater fish in Europe. The brownish body bears a few dark cross-bars; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species is endemic to the fresh water of western Greece and adjacent lakes such as Prespa, in slow to still, densely vegetated water of lakes, marshes and streams. Among the plants it searches for small zooplankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid among water plants. Because of its limited range and habitat loss it is assessed as Near Threatened (NT).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Western Greece goby?
The Western Greece goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. One of the smallest freshwater fishes in Europe; small goby with a few narrow dark vertical bars and pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Western Greece goby live?
The Western Greece goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Endemic to the fresh water of western Greece and adjacent lakes such as Prespa, in slow-flowing to standing, densely vegetated water of lakes, swamps and streams.
How big does the Western Greece goby get?
The Western Greece goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Western Greece goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Western Greece goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Western Greece goby edible?
The Western Greece goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
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More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Western Greece goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.