The crystal goby (Crystallogobius linearis) is a tiny, transparent fish native to the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Renowned for its delicate, glass-like body, this species inhabits shallow, sandy or muddy seabeds, where it forms large shoals. Crystal gobies are primarily harvested for culinary use, especially in Mediterranean cuisine, where they are valued as a seasonal delicacy. Italy is the leading country for crystal goby fishing, particularly in regions such as the Adriatic Sea, where the fish is known as "bianchetto" or "gianchetti" and is caught using fine-meshed nets. Spain and France also have notable crystal goby fisheries, especially along their Mediterranean coasts. The fishing industry for this species is highly regulated to protect juvenile stocks and ensure sustainability, as crystal gobies are short-lived and reproduce rapidly, making them sensitive to overfishing.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.