Fin's Fish Guide
The Floating goby (Gymnogobius urotaenia) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 14 cm.
East Asia, in rivers, lakes and estuaries of Japan, Korea and surroundings; an amphidromous species that shuttles between fresh and brackish water.
Description
The floating goby is a slender goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 14 cm. The brownish body bears spots and a conspicuous dark stripe at the tail base; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species comes from East Asia and lives in rivers, lakes and estuaries of Japan, Korea and surroundings. It is amphidromous: through its life cycle it shuttles between fresh and brackish water, the young larvae drifting down to the sea or a lake after hatching and later migrating back upstream. In the water and on the bottom it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae and small crustaceans. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Floating goby?
The Floating goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender little goby with a dark stripe on the tail base; an amphidromous species that shuttles between fresh and brackish water. Pelvic fins fused into a sucker.
Where does the Floating goby live?
The Floating goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia, in rivers, lakes and estuaries of Japan, Korea and surroundings; an amphidromous species that shuttles between fresh and brackish water.
How big does the Floating goby get?
The Floating goby grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Floating goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Floating goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Floating goby edible?
The Floating goby is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Gymnogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Floating goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.