Fin's Fish Guide
The River goby (Awaous banana) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The river goby is a goby (Gobiidae) from the fresh and brackish waters of tropical America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, sand-coloured body with a marbled pattern and, like other gobies, fused pelvic fins forming a sucking disc. It inhabits clear streams and rivers over sand and gravel, but also turbid waters with muddy bottoms; it prefers clear, well-oxygenated flowing water. On the bottom it sifts detritus, algae and small invertebrates from the sediment. 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 spots pattern. Fused pelvic fins form a sucker; inhabits clear flowing fresh and brackish water.
Where does the River goby live?
The River goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Tropical America; clear streams, rivers and estuaries.
How big does the River goby get?
The River goby grows to a maximum of about 30 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.
More photos
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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.