What Is This Tiny, Slimy Creature?

The ocean is home to some strange-looking creatures. The ocean contains a wide variety of marine life, and each species has evolved over centuries to adapt to its environment, resulting in features that seem unique from a human perspective. One of these strange-looking creatures is the eel goby. This YouTube Short by @1MinuteAnimals shows off these gobies and some fun facts about them. Read here to learn more about eel gobies!

All About the Eel Goby

Eel gobies are a species within the Gobiidae (goby) family. Although eel gobies are often labeled as eels, they are not true eels; they simply share a similar appearance. Eel gobies are pinkish, purplish, or translucent beneath the mud that normally coats them. They spend most of their lives hidden under mud, only revealing themselves when eating. This classifies these gobies as “cryptic”—animals that are difficult to observe due to their hidden lifestyle. They inhabit bodies of water with muddy or soft bottoms, such as mudflats, rivers, and lagoons. Because they lack scales, eel gobies use their slimy bodies and fins to wiggle through the mud, much like worms. This underground lifestyle helps them avoid predators and survive in muddy waters.

Gobies are preyed upon by several predators. These include larger fish, birds, and, more rarely, crabs. Given the number of dangerous predators that hunt them, it is in their best interest to stay underground and avoid detection. Their slippery, scaleless bodies make them difficult to extract from their muddy habitats, which helps them avoid predators. Although they have several predators, eel gobies are also predators themselves. They are carnivores that eat small worms, crustaceans, and insect larvae. Because their eyes are small and often covered in mud, eel gobies rely more on their sense of touch than on sight when hunting. Using the barbels (sensory whiskers) near their mouths, they can sense vibrations and chemicals from their prey. With their needle-like teeth, they quickly grab and latch onto their prey before consuming it.

Are They Dangerous to Humans?

People often assume eel gobies are dangerous because of their teeth. Their teeth are long and thin, making them perfect for impaling prey. This understandably unsettles people at first glance. However, eel gobies are harmless to humans. While they may look creepy, eel gobies are shy and non-aggressive toward humans. Humans rarely interact with these fish, as they are not commonly caught except for academic research. Therefore, while they may look unsettling, eel gobies are completely safe to interact with—if you can find one hiding under the mud.