Madeira Goby

Mauligobius maderensis

Madeira Goby (`Mauligobius maderensis`) is a small benthic goby of the eastern Atlantic, best known from the Madeira region. It is closely associated with rocky coastal shallows, and reliable angling information is limited because it is not a common targeted game fish.

Saltwater

Madeira Goby reference image — S. Rae from Scotland, UK, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Very small goby with a bottom-hugging body shape and fused pelvic fins forming a suction disc
Mottled brown to sandy coloration that blends into rock and algae
Short, blunt head with relatively large eyes and a low, compact profile

Habitat

Rocky subtidal and shallow coastal areas with algae-covered stones, crevices, and low-relief reef structure; typically demersal close to the bottom.

Bait notes

Rarely targeted; small natural baits such as morsels of shrimp, worm, or fish scrap may take it incidentally. Tiny soft plastics or micro-jigs fished on the bottom can also work in shallow rocky areas.

Behavior

A bottom-dwelling, small prey-feeding goby that forages on tiny invertebrates and organic matter among rocks and crevices; likely territorial and quick to retreat into shelter when disturbed.

Caution

Handle carefully around rocky habitat to avoid cuts and slips. No widely documented species-specific consumption hazard is known, but it is not generally a food target and local regulations may apply.

Fishing notes

Fish very light tackle close to rock edges and ledges, letting bait sit on the bottom with minimal movement. Because it is small and non-typical as a sport species, most captures are incidental while targeting other shore fish.