Gobies

Poison goby (Gobiodon citrinus)

The Poison goby (Gobiodon citrinus) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is an omnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 4 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Poison goby (Gobiodon citrinus), a Red Sea fish of the gobies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameGobiodon citrinus
FamilyGobies (Gobiidae)
Common name (IT)Ghiozzo limone
Common name (EN)Poison goby
Maximum size4 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Poison goby belong to?
The Poison goby (Gobiodon citrinus) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies).
Is the Poison goby dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Poison goby endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Poison goby get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 4 cm.

Explore the Poison goby in 3D in the interactive atlas →