Fin's Fish Guide
The River Goby (Awaous tajasica) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 16 cm.
South America; endemic to coastal rivers of Brazil (Piauí to Santa Catarina), amphidromous.
Description
The sand fish goby is a goby of the family Gobiidae from the coastal rivers of Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 16 cm and has an elongate, sand-coloured mottled body with a pointed head. It lives mainly in fresh water in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams but tolerates brackish water and is amphidromous: the larvae develop in the sea before the young return to fresh water. As a bottom searcher it takes mouthfuls of sand from which it sifts small invertebrates, algae and detritus. Gobies cling to the substrate with their fused pelvic fins. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the River Goby?
The River Goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Sand-coloured marbled body; amphidromous goby that sifts sand in search of food.
Where does the River Goby live?
The River Goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; endemic to coastal rivers of Brazil (Piauí to Santa Catarina), amphidromous.
How big does the River Goby get?
The River Goby grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.
Is the River Goby dangerous to humans?
No, the River Goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the River Goby edible?
The River Goby is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Awaous
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the River Goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the River Goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.