Fin's Fish Guide
The Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 35 cm.
Originally in fresh and brackish water of the basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
Description
The round goby is a sturdy bottom goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 25 cm but usually smaller. The stout, brownish spotted body has as a hallmark a conspicuous black spot at the rear of the first dorsal fin; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species is native to fresh and brackish water of the Black and Caspian seas but is among the most successful invasive fish in the world: through ballast water and canals it has colonised the North American Great Lakes, the Baltic and western European rivers such as the Rhine and Meuse. It eats mainly shellfish, small crustaceans, worms and fish fry. The male fiercely guards the eggs. Through its aggression and numbers it displaces native bottom fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Round goby?
The Round goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sturdy small goby with a striking black blotch at the rear of the first dorsal fin and pelvic fins fused into a small sucker; one of the most successful invasive fishes.
Where does the Round goby live?
The Round goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Originally in fresh and brackish water of the basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea.
How big does the Round goby get?
The Round goby grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Round goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Round goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Round goby edible?
The Round goby is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Round goby and live in the same waters.
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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 Round goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Round goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.