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Ephesus goby (Knipowitschia ephesi) — Gobiidae

Ephesus goby

Knipowitschia ephesi
Family: Gobiidae

The Ephesus goby (Knipowitschia ephesi) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Türkiye

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Description

The Ephesus goby is a tiny goby (Gobiidae) from shallow, brackish and fresh coastal water of western Turkey. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a slender, semi-translucent, brown-speckled body with fused pelvic fins forming a small sucker. As a bottom-dweller it sits on sand and mud among water plants of lagoons and river mouths and snaps at small invertebrates and detritus. Through habitat loss the species is vulnerable. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ephesus goby?

The Ephesus goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Ephesus goby live?

The Ephesus goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Türkiye

How big does the Ephesus goby get?

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

Is the Ephesus goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Ephesus 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ephesus goby sourced
Scientific name
Knipowitschia ephesi
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
3
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: Türkiye 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

Same genus Knipowitschia

More from the family Gobiidae

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