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Sponge goby (Evermannichthys spongicola) — Gobiidae

Sponge goby

Evermannichthys spongicola
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Sponge goby (Evermannichthys spongicola) is a saltwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.

Length
3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–27 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Atlantic; inside large sponges.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The sponge goby is a small goby (Gobiidae) from the western Atlantic Ocean. The species has a very slender, worm-like body with reduced scales, adapted to life in narrow spaces. It always lives inside large loggerhead sponges and similar sponges, deep within their internal canals. Protected by its host it feeds on small invertebrates and organic material that the sponge pumps around. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sponge goby?

The Sponge goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Worm-shaped body; lives permanently in the canals of large sponges.

Where does the Sponge goby live?

The Sponge goby lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; inside large sponges.

How big does the Sponge goby get?

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

Is the Sponge goby dangerous to humans?

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

Is the Sponge goby edible?

The Sponge goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Sponge goby verified
Scientific name
Evermannichthys spongicola
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Terminal
Lips
Thin
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
27 verified
Natural range
Western Atlantic; inside large sponges.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and organic material sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary
Territorial
No
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Worm-shaped body; lives permanently in the canals of large sponges. 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 sourced
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 Evermannichthys

More from the family Gobiidae

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