The Caucasian dwarf goby (Knipowitschia caucasica) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The Caucasian dwarf goby is a very small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 5 cm. The slender, brownish body has, like all gobies, pelvic fins fused into a sucking disc with which it clings to the bottom; breeding males develop dark cross-bars and yellow tints. The species is euryhaline and lives in brackish lagoons, river mouths and adjacent fresh water of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small zooplankton, crustacean larvae and mosquito larvae. It is short-lived; the male guards the eggs laid under a shell or stone. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance, but locally it is numerous.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Caucasian dwarf goby?
The Caucasian dwarf goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.
Where does the Caucasian dwarf goby live?
The Caucasian dwarf goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Caucasian dwarf goby get?
The Caucasian dwarf goby grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Caucasian dwarf goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Caucasian dwarf goby is harmless to humans.
Is the Caucasian dwarf goby edible?
The Caucasian dwarf goby is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Knipowitschia
More from the family Gobiidae
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