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Pope's goby (Rhinogobius cliffordpopei) — Gobiidae

Pope's goby

Rhinogobius cliffordpopei
Family: Gobiidae

The Pope's goby (Rhinogobius cliffordpopei) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
14.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: China, Viet Nam

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Description

Pope's goby is a small freshwater goby (Gobiidae) from clear streams and rivers of East Asia, including China. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with fine red and blue spots on the head and cheeks, especially in males. As a bottom-dweller it lives among stones and gravel of flowing water and snaps at small invertebrates and insect larvae. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pope's goby?

The Pope's goby has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Pope's goby live?

The Pope's goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: China, Viet Nam

How big does the Pope's goby get?

The Pope's goby grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Pope's goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Pope's goby is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pope's goby sourced
Scientific name
Rhinogobius cliffordpopei
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
14.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: China, Viet Nam sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Rhinogobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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