Fin's Fish Guide
The Monkey goby (Neogobius fluviatilis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Originally in fresh and brackish water of the basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Description
The monkey goby is a slender, sand-coloured goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 20 cm. The elongate body is pale sandy-brown with fine speckles and has, like all gobies, pelvic fins fused into a sucking disc with which it clings to the bottom. The species is native to fresh and brackish water of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins but has spread invasively through shipping and canals into western and central European rivers such as the Danube and the Rhine. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms, insect larvae and fish fry. The male fiercely guards the eggs laid under a stone or shell. As an abundant newcomer it can displace native bottom fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Monkey goby?
The Monkey goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, sand-coloured small goby with pelvic fins fused into a sucker; a fast coloniser that is spreading invasively in Western European rivers.
Where does the Monkey goby live?
The Monkey goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Originally in fresh and brackish water of the basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
How big does the Monkey goby get?
The Monkey goby grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Monkey goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Monkey goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Monkey goby edible?
The Monkey goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Neogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Monkey goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Monkey goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.