The giant goby (Gobius cobitis) is a large, robust goby species native to the coastal waters of the eastern Atlantic, particularly around the Mediterranean Sea and parts of western Europe, such as the coasts of Spain, France, Italy, and the British Isles. This fish typically inhabits rocky and brackish shorelines, estuaries, and lagoons. While the giant goby is not a major target of large-scale commercial fisheries, it is sometimes caught incidentally in small-scale, artisanal, or recreational fishing in countries like Spain, Italy, and France, where traditional coastal fishing methods persist. The species is more valued for local consumption and as a curiosity among anglers than as a significant commercial resource. Conservation measures in some regions, such as the UK, reflect its vulnerable status due to habitat loss and localized overfishing, leading to restricted harvesting and habitat protection efforts.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.