Fin's Fish Guide
The Goby (Yongeichthys criniger) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The horseface goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate body with a fairly large head and a marbled pattern that camouflages it on the bottom. It inhabits shallow to deeper coastal waters with mud or silty sand bottoms. Notably, the body, and especially the skin, can contain a strong toxin resembling that of pufferfish; the toxicity varies by locality and some specimens are entirely nontoxic. The fish is not dangerous to touch, but must not be eaten because of the toxin in its flesh and skin.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Goby?
The Goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Flesh and skin can contain a pufferfish-like poison; toxicity differs by area.
Where does the Goby live?
The Goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; shallow muddy and silty sandy bottoms of coastal waters.
How big does the Goby get?
The Goby grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Goby dangerous to humans?
The Goby is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. Do not eat this fish: the flesh and especially the skin can contain a toxin resembling that of pufferfish that is not destroyed by cooking. If eaten and tingling, paralysis or breathing difficulty occur, call emergency services immediately.
Is the Goby edible?
The Goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Yongeichthys
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone