Gobioidei

The suborder Gobioidei, commonly known as gobies, encompasses over 2,200 species of fish found worldwide, though they are most abundant in tropical marine environments. These are typically small, carnivorous bottom-dwellers, often characterized by a weak suction cup formed by fused pelvic fins. The majority of gobies belong to the family Gobiidae, which are usually elongated and may lack scales.1

Key features of many gobies include two dorsal fins, the first with weak spines, and the absence of a lateral line. Some species are vibrantly colored, while others, like the crystal goby, are transparent. Many gobies inhabit burrows, and some species engage in symbiotic relationships, such as the neon goby, which cleans parasites off larger fish. The suborder also includes families like Eleotridae (sleepers) and Microdesmidae (wormfishes).1