Fin's Fish Guide
The Amur goby (Rhinogobius brunneus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 6 cm.
East Asia (Japan, Korea, China and surroundings), in clear streams and rivers with stony bottoms; some populations migrate between fresh and brackish water.
Description
The Amur goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 6 cm. The brownish, faintly blotched body bears fine red streaks on the cheek; like all true gobies it has the pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which the fish clings to stones in current. The species comes from East Asia and lives in clear streams and rivers with stony bottoms; some populations are amphidromous and migrate between fresh and brackish water, with larvae drifting to sea and young fish running back up. On the bottom it searches for insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. The male guards the eggs laid under a stone. It occasionally appears in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Amur goby?
The Amur goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small river and stream goby with fine red stripes on the cheek and pelvic fins fused into a sucker; migrates between fresh and brackish water.
Where does the Amur goby live?
The Amur goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Asia (Japan, Korea, China and surroundings), in clear streams and rivers with stony bottoms; some populations migrate between fresh and brackish water.
How big does the Amur goby get?
The Amur goby grows to a maximum of about 6 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the Amur goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Amur goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Amur goby edible?
The Amur goby is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Rhinogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Amur goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Amur goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.