Gobies

Broad-barred goby (Gobiodon histrio)

The Broad-barred goby (Gobiodon histrio) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 3 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Broad-barred goby (Gobiodon histrio), a Red Sea fish of the gobies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameGobiodon histrio
FamilyGobies (Gobiidae)
Common name (IT)Ghiozzo attore
Common name (EN)Broad-barred goby
Maximum size3 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 Broad-barred goby belong to?
The Broad-barred goby (Gobiodon histrio) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies).
Is the Broad-barred goby dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Broad-barred 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 Broad-barred goby get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 3 cm.

Explore the Broad-barred goby in 3D in the interactive atlas →