Fin's Fish Guide
The Floating goby (Gymnogobius castaneus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 8 cm.
East Asia (Japan), in lakes, river mouths and coastal water; migrates between fresh and brackish water.
Description
The floating goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 8 cm. The stocky, chestnut-brown body with faint blotches has, like all true gobies, the pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which the fish clings to stones. The species comes from Japan and lives in lakes, river mouths and coastal water; various populations migrate between fresh and brackish water. On the bottom it searches for small crustaceans, insect larvae and worms. In spring the male guards the eggs stuck under a stone or shell. Because of its small size it has little fishery value, but it is a link in the food web of coastal lakes.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Floating goby?
The Floating goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, chestnut-brown goby with pelvic fins fused into a sucker; migrates between brackish and fresh water.
Where does the Floating goby live?
The Floating goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia (Japan), in lakes, river mouths and coastal water; migrates between fresh and brackish water.
How big does the Floating goby get?
The Floating goby grows to a maximum of about 8 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 rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Gymnogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Floating goby?
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.