Red-mouthed Goby
Gobius cruentatus
Red-mouthed Goby (Gobius cruentatus) is a small marine goby from European and nearby eastern Atlantic shallow waters. It is named for the reddish mouth lining and typically lives close to the seabed in sheltered coastal habitats.
Identification points
- Distinct reddish mouth interior and lips
- Small goby body with two separate dorsal fins
- Mottled brown to sandy pattern for camouflage on the bottom
Habitat
Shallow marine coastal bottoms, especially sandy, muddy, or mixed substrates with rocks, shells, or seagrass in sheltered bays, lagoons, and nearshore waters.
Bait notes
Rarely targeted by anglers. If caught incidentally, small pieces of shrimp, lugworm, ragworm, or tiny soft-plastic worms fished on the bottom can take it.
Behavior
A benthic, bottom-hugging goby that feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates. It is generally secretive and stays close to cover rather than roaming far from the bottom.
Caution
Small marine fish with no notable species-specific hazard beyond typical local seafood advisories; check local regulations if fishing in protected coastal habitats.
Fishing notes
Use ultra-light tackle and tiny hooks close to the seabed around sheltered rocky-sand margins or seagrass edges. Expect incidental catches while fishing for other small demersal species; this is not a common game fish.