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Comet goby (Obliquogobius cometes) — Gobiidae

Comet goby

Obliquogobius cometes
Family: Gobiidae

The Comet goby (Obliquogobius cometes) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–187 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India

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Description

The comet goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from deeper sand and mud bottoms of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, pale, semi-translucent body with large eyes and elongated fin rays. As a bottom-dweller of deeper soft bottoms it snaps at small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Comet goby?

The Comet goby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Comet goby live?

The Comet goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India

How big does the Comet goby get?

The Comet goby grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Comet goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Comet 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

Comet goby (Obliquogobius cometes) — Gobiidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Alfred William Alcock (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

English name
Comet goby sourced
Scientific name
Obliquogobius cometes
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
6 sourced
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
187 verified
Natural range
Asia: India 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

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

More from the family Gobiidae

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