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Green goby (Microgobius thalassinus) — Gobiidae

Green goby

Microgobius thalassinus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Green goby (Microgobius thalassinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0.0–6.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The green goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae from the western Atlantic off the east coast of North America. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender, translucent body with a greenish sheen. It inhabits estuaries with fine silt-mud bottoms and is known as a sponge-dwelling goby: it lives in close association with sponges, such as the red boring sponge (Microciona prolifera), in which it finds shelter. As a small bottom dweller it feeds on small zooplankton and small invertebrates. Gobies cling to the substrate with their fused pelvic fins. Owing to its small size the species has no fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Green goby?

The Green goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly green and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Green goby live?

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

How big does the Green goby get?

The Green goby grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Green goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Green goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Green goby edible?

The Green goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Groene dwerggrondel sourced
English name
Green goby verified
Scientific name
Microgobius thalassinus
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Average length (cm)
4.2 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
6.0 verified
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless 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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