How to spot the Goby when scuba diving
Gobiidae
The largest marine fish family with over 2,000 species found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters. Present in all oceans from shallow tidepools to depths over 500m. Greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the Coral Triangle.
Present year-round. Most species are diurnal (day-active), making them observable on regular day dives.
Found across all temperature ranges from cold temperate to tropical waters (5-30°C / 41-86°F), depending on species and location.
Found in virtually all marine habitats from tidepools to deep reefs. Many species form symbiotic relationships: watch for cleaner gobies at cleaning stations, partner gobies sharing burrows with blind shrimp (signaling danger to their partners), and coral gobies living within coral branches. Most are tiny (1-10cm) and require careful observation. Some favorites include Neon Gobies (Caribbean cleaning stations), Blackray Shrimpgobies with their shrimp partners (Indo-Pacific sandy areas), and colorful Coral Gobies within Acropora corals. Macro photography subjects found worldwide, but muck diving destinations like Lembeh, Anilao, and Mabul offer exceptional diversity.
Worldwide observation of the Gobiidae
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Data sources
- Photos: Wikimedia Commons
- Distribution and specie data: GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility)
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