Barber Goby
Elacatinus figaro
- Group: Goby
- Typical depth: 3–20 m
- Max size: 3.4 cm
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: VU
This tiny goby runs cleaning stations on coral and rocky bottoms, picking parasites and dead tissue off bigger fish that line up to be serviced. It lives alone or in small groups of up to six, often hovering near sea urchins for the safety of their spines. Heavy collection for the aquarium trade has left it vulnerable.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Gobiiformes › Gobiidae › Elacatinus
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 280602.
FAQ
- How deep does the Barber Goby live?
- The Barber Goby (Elacatinus figaro) is typically found at 3–20 m.
- Is the Barber Goby dangerous to divers?
- The Barber Goby is harmless to divers.
- How big does the Barber Goby get?
- The Barber Goby grows to about 3.4 cm.