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Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) — Gobiidae

Cobalt goby

Lythrypnus cobalus
Family: Gobiidae

The Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–30 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The cobalt goby is a very small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef water of the eastern Pacific, in the Gulf of California. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender body with striking bright-blue crossbars on a dark ground and fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a shy bottom-dweller it shelters among rocks, coral and sea urchins and snaps at tiny crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cobalt goby?

The Cobalt goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly blue and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Cobalt goby live?

The Cobalt goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Cobalt goby get?

The Cobalt goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.

Is the Cobalt goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Cobalt 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.

More photos

Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) — Gobiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) pgkaestner, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) — Gobiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) — Gobiidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Cobalt goby (Lythrypnus cobalus) — Gobiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Cobalt goby sourced
Scientific name
Lythrypnus cobalus
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Blue sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
30 verified
Natural range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.) sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

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

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

Same genus Lythrypnus

More from the family Gobiidae

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