Goby Fish Facts
Gobies are fascinating fish with a variety of unique traits. Here are some interesting facts about them
1 Diversity
Gobies are one of the largest fish families, with over 2,000 species found in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments worldwide.
2 Amphibious Quality
Certain gobies, like the mudskippers, are amphibious and can live both in water and on land. They use their pectoral fins to “walk” on land and can breathe through their skin and the lining of their mouth when out of water.
3 Symbiotic Relationship
Some goby species form symbiotic relationships with other marine animals. For example, shrimp gobies live in burrows dug by pistol shrimp. The shrimp maintain the burrow, and the goby acts as a lookout, warning the shrimp of danger.
4 Colour changing ability
Some gobies can change color to blend in with their surroundings, a useful ability for avoiding predators and hunting prey.
5 Parental Guidance
Many goby species are attentive parents. For example, the male goby often guards the eggs, fanning them with his fins to ensure they receive enough oxygen.
6 Mouthbrooding
In some species, such as the cardinal goby, the male keeps the fertilized eggs in his mouth until they hatch, protecting them from predators.
7 High Jumpers
Gobies, particularly mudskippers, are known for their ability to jump out of water. They can leap several times their body length to escape predators or move between habitats.
8 Serving as Cleaners
Tiny goby fish serve as cleaners for large groupers, even operating at designated “cleaning stations” where the big fish regularly stop by. The groupers provide gobies with food, including parasites and dead skin flakes, and in return, they alert the gobies to danger.
9 Giving special signal
When a grouper spots a predator, it sends special signals to the goby. If the goby is inside the grouper’s mouth, the grouper will suddenly snap its jaws shut but leave a small gap for the goby to escape.
If the goby is under a gill cover, the grouper flicks the cover down partially, allowing the goby to swim out and flee. Once the danger has passed, the grouper remains still in the water and opens its mouth wide, signaling the gobies to continue their cleaning.