Fin's Fish Guide
The Barcheek goby (Rhinogobius giurinus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 12 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan), in rivers, lakes and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
Description
The barcheek goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 12 cm. The brown body bears dark spots and fine red-orange streaks on the cheek; as in many gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucker with which the fish clings to stones in current. The species comes from East Asia and lives on stone and gravel bottoms of rivers, lakes and estuaries; it tolerates brackish water. On the bottom it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and fish eggs. In reproduction the male guards the eggs attached to stones, after which the larvae migrate to sea or lake. It is a common bottom fish of East Asian waters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barcheek goby?
The Barcheek goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, brown-blotched river goby with red streaks on the cheek; fused pelvic fins form a sucker.
Where does the Barcheek goby live?
The Barcheek goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. East Asia (China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan), in rivers, lakes and estuaries; tolerates brackish water.
How big does the Barcheek goby get?
The Barcheek goby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Barcheek goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Barcheek goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Barcheek goby edible?
The Barcheek goby is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Barcheek goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barcheek goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rhinogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Barcheek goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barcheek goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.