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Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae

Pygmy goby

Chriolepis dialepta
Family: Gobiidae

The Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

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Description

The pygmy goby is a very small goby (Gobiidae) from shallow reef water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 3 cm and has a stocky, semi-translucent, lightly spotted body with fused pelvic fins forming a sucker. As a shy bottom-dweller it hides deep in coral crevices, under stones and in small holes and snaps at tiny crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pygmy goby?

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

Where does the Pygmy goby live?

The Pygmy goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. South America: Cocos I. (C.R.)

How big does the Pygmy goby get?

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

Is the Pygmy goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Pygmy 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.

More photos

Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae — 4
Billy Bensted-Smith (CC BY-NC 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Pygmy goby (Chriolepis dialepta) — Gobiidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Billy Bensted-Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Pygmy goby sourced
Scientific name
Chriolepis dialepta
Family
Gobiidae
Other names
White-starred goby sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
South America: Cocos I. (C.R.) 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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 Chriolepis

More from the family Gobiidae

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