Fin's Fish Guide
The Tank goby (Glossogobius giuris) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Asia and the western Pacific, in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal water; strongly euryhaline.
Description
The tank goby is a large goby of the family Gobiidae (gobies) reaching about 50 cm, making it one of the bigger gobies. The olive-brown, blotched body has a somewhat flattened head with a large mouth; 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 the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Asia, and lives in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal water; it tolerates strongly varying salinities. As a predator it preys, mainly at night, on small fish, shrimps and small crustaceans. With its tasty flesh it is a locally valued food and sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tank goby?
The Tank goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Robust goby with a flattened head, a large mouth, a forked tongue and pelvic fins fused into a sucker; a predatory bottom-dweller.
Where does the Tank goby live?
The Tank goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to Asia and the western Pacific, in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal water; strongly euryhaline.
How big does the Tank goby get?
The Tank goby grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 11 cm.
Is the Tank goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Tank goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tank goby edible?
Yes, the Tank goby is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Glossogobius
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Tank goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tank goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.