Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellowfin goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 30 cm.
East Asia, in brackish and fresh estuarine and coastal water around Japan, Korea and China, on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The yellowfin goby is a robust estuarine goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 30 cm. The brown-spotted body has yellowish fins, from which the species takes its name; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species comes from East Asia and lives in brackish and fresh estuarine and coastal water around Japan, Korea and China, on sand and mud bottoms, where it tolerates strongly varying salinity. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms, molluscs and small fish. In winter the male digs a Y-shaped burrow and guards the eggs. Through ballast water and aquaculture it has spread to the west coast of North America and Australia, where it becomes invasive. In East Asia it is a valued food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellowfin goby?
The Yellowfin goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Large, brown-spotted estuarine goby with yellowish fins; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker. Becomes invasive outside its range.
Where does the Yellowfin goby live?
The Yellowfin goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia, in brackish and fresh estuarine and coastal water around Japan, Korea and China, on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the Yellowfin goby get?
The Yellowfin goby grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Yellowfin goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Yellowfin goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Yellowfin goby edible?
Yes, the Yellowfin goby is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
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Status & sources
Same genus Acanthogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Yellowfin goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellowfin goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.