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Erect goby (Microgobius erectus) — Gobiidae

Erect goby

Microgobius erectus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Erect goby (Microgobius erectus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
3–54 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Eastern Pacific; coastal waters from Mexico to Panama.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Erect goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow sand and mud water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, pale body, sometimes with fine markings, and fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a bottom-dweller it sits on sand and mud by a burrow and snaps at small invertebrates, worms and detritus. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Erect goby?

The Erect goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Fairly tall first dorsal fin; small bottom goby of sandy and shell bottoms, digs small burrows.

Where does the Erect goby live?

The Erect goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific; coastal waters from Mexico to Panama.

How big does the Erect goby get?

The Erect goby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Erect goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Erect goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Erect goby edible?

The Erect goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Erect goby sourced
Scientific name
Microgobius erectus
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
Erect goby verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3 verified
Max depth (m)
54 verified
Natural range
Eastern Pacific; coastal waters from Mexico to Panama.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small zooplankton and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Fairly tall first dorsal fin; small bottom goby of sandy and shell bottoms, digs small burrows. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Microgobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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