Fin's Fish Guide
The Olive flathead-goby (Glossogobius olivaceus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 17 cm.
East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), in brackish river mouths, estuaries and coastal water.
Description
The olive flathead-goby is a goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 17 cm. The olive-brown, blotched body has a somewhat flattened head; the genus Glossogobius takes its name from its forked tongue. Like all true gobies the species has the pelvic fins fused into a sucker with which it clings to the bottom. It comes from East Asia and lives in brackish river mouths, estuaries and coastal water, where it tolerates strongly varying salinities. On the bottom it preys on small crustaceans, worms and small fish. The male guards the laid eggs. Locally it is caught as a small food fish and is a link in the estuarine food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Olive flathead-goby?
The Olive flathead-goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Goby with a flattened head, a forked tongue and pelvic fins fused into a sucker; lives in brackish river mouths.
Where does the Olive flathead-goby live?
The Olive flathead-goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia (Japan, Korea and China), in brackish river mouths, estuaries and coastal water.
How big does the Olive flathead-goby get?
The Olive flathead-goby grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.
Is the Olive flathead-goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Olive flathead-goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Olive flathead-goby edible?
Yes, the Olive flathead-goby is commonly eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Glossogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Olive flathead-goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Olive flathead-goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.