Fin's Fish Guide
The Tubenose goby (Proterorhinus marmoratus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 12 cm.
Basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, in brackish coastal waters, lagoons and river mouths.
Description
The tubenose goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 12 cm. Characteristic are the tube-like extended front nostrils, which hang like little tubes over the upper lip and give the fish its name; the brownish mottled body provides camouflage and the pelvic fins are, as in all gobies, fused into a sucking disc. The species is euryhaline and lives in brackish coastal waters, lagoons and river mouths of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea basins. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, worms and insect larvae. The male defends a territory and guards the eggs laid under a stone or shell. Closely related tubenose gobies have established themselves as an invasive species in western European rivers.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tubenose goby?
The Tubenose goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small goby with tubular, elongated front nostrils that hang over the upper lip; pelvic fins fused into a small sucker.
Where does the Tubenose goby live?
The Tubenose goby lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Basins of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, in brackish coastal waters, lagoons and river mouths.
How big does the Tubenose goby get?
The Tubenose goby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.
Is the Tubenose goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Tubenose goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Tubenose goby edible?
The Tubenose goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Tubenose goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tubenose goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Tubenose goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tubenose goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.