Fin's Fish Guide
The Cleft-lip goby (Sicydium crenilabrum) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Description
The cleft-lip goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the fresh waters of West Africa. The species has a stocky body with an inferior, crenelated-lipped mouth and fused pelvic fins forming a sucking disc. It is amphidromous: the larvae wash out to sea and the young return to ascend the river, climbing rapids and even wet rock faces with their sucker. It inhabits fast-flowing, rocky river sections, where it scrapes algae and diatoms from stones with its lips. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cleft-lip goby?
The Cleft-lip goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Amphidromous; climbs rapids and wet rocks with a ventral sucker; algae scraper.
Where does the Cleft-lip goby live?
The Cleft-lip goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Freshwater of West Africa; fast-flowing, rocky river sections.
How big does the Cleft-lip goby get?
The Cleft-lip goby grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Cleft-lip goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Cleft-lip goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cleft-lip goby edible?
The Cleft-lip goby is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sicydium
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Cleft-lip goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cleft-lip goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone