Pronunciation: [ɡˈə͡ʊbi] (IPA) 
The word "goby" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be /ˈɡoʊbi/. The "o" is pronounced as a long vowel sound /oʊ/ and the "b" is a voiced bilabial stop /b/. This word refers to a small fish commonly found in freshwater and saltwater habitats. Its name comes from the Old French word "gobie," which ultimately derives from the Latin word "gobius."
The term "goby" refers to a type of small fish belonging to the family Gobiidae. They are predominantly found in coastal and brackish waters, ranging from freshwater to saltwater environments. Gobies typically possess elongated bodies that are somewhat compressed from the sides, with a pointed snout and a distinctive mouth. They are characterized by the presence of fused pelvic fins that form a suction disk, aiding in gripping onto surfaces such as rocks or coral.
Gobies are renowned for their incredible diversity, with over 2,000 known species around the world. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, often displaying intricate markings or vibrant hues. Some popular examples of gobies include the neon goby, peacock goby, and the clown goby.
These small fish are known for their interesting behaviors and adaptations. Many gobies exhibit a bipedal hopping behavior, propelling themselves using their pectoral fins while the pelvic fins are firmly attached to a surface. This unique movement is commonly observed when they are searching for food or defending their territory. Gobies are also skilled at camouflaging themselves, using their coloration and patterns to blend seamlessly with their surrounding environment, providing protection against potential predators.
In conclusion, gobies are small, diverse fish found in coastal and brackish waters. They possess distinct physical characteristics such as a fused pelvic fin and exhibit captivating behaviors for their size.
A small sea-fish of singular form.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "goby" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Middle English word "gobi", which dates back to the 14th century. However, the Middle English term was borrowed from Old French, where it was spelled as "gobie".
Old French derived it from the Latin word "gobius", which in turn had been borrowed from Ancient Greek. The Greek term for "goby" was "kobios". It's believed that the Ancient Greek kobios referred specifically to a type of small fish found in the Black Sea. Over time, the word evolved and was adopted into various languages, eventually becoming "goby" in English.
