Depth
Aphia · Bony Fish

Transparent Goby

Aphia minuta

0-80m
Depth Range
6cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-80m
Depth Range
6cm
Max Size
Sandy / Pelagic
Habitat
Planktivore
Diet
Large schools
Social
LC
IUCN Status
Moderate
Sighting Likelihood
KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassActinopterygii
GenusAphia
Speciesminuta

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationExtremely small, almost completely transparent body. Internal organs and skeleton visible through the skin. Large eyes relative to body size. Males develop dark pigment during breeding.
  • SizeUp to 6 cm total length, commonly 3 to 5 cm.
  • Social HabitSchooling species that forms dense aggregations near the surface in coastal waters during the breeding season.
  • HabitatCoastal waters, forming schools near the surface above sandy and muddy bottoms.
  • DepthSurface to 80 m, most common in the upper 20 m.
  • Feeds OnZooplankton and tiny crustaceans caught in the water column.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Norway to Morocco, including the Mediterranean Sea.
  • DescriptionA tiny, almost invisible fish whose transparent body makes it nearly impossible to see in the water. Despite its small size, it is commercially harvested in parts of the Mediterranean (known as 'nonnata' in Italian cuisine). One of the shortest-lived Mediterranean fish, typically surviving only one to two years.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

Found over sandy and muddy bottoms from the shallows to about 80 metres, forming large schools in the water column above the substrate. Present in Maltese coastal waters, particularly over sandy bays.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

Loading…

Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Sandy and muddy seabeds in sheltered coastal areas. Schools hover just above the bottom during the day.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

Transparent Goby species card

Dive with diveshack

Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Aphia minuta may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red ListLeast Concern

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
diveshack Mediterranean Marine Life guide