Fauna
Fish

Round Goby

Neogobius melanostomus

Round gobies thrive in rocky shallows and sandy substrate, using fused pelvic fins that function like a suction cup to anchor against swift currents. Males turn jet black during the breeding season and aggressively guard shell-lined cavities where multiple females deposit clutches of eggs. Highly adaptable and prolific, their rapid spread through ballast water transport has fundamentally altered benthic food webs across both European and North American waters.

Bottom-dwellingInvasiveAquatic
Round Goby reference1 / 7
(c) Micha Baum, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyZebra Mussels, Quagga Mussels, Mayfly Nymphs
Predators
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Walleye
  • Double-crested Cormorant
ThreatsPredation by larger fish, localized control efforts, aquatic pollution
HabitatsFreshwater lakes, slow-moving rivers, canals, brackish estuaries
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyGobiidae
  3. GenusNeogobius
  4. SpeciesNeogobius melanostomus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Angling regulations: Check local wildlife rules regarding invasive fish, as returning them alive is prohibited in many waters.
  • Identification check: Look for a prominent black spot on the posterior edge of the first dorsal fin.
  • Preventing spread: Drain all live wells, inspect gear, and never dump live bait or aquarium fish into open waters.
Related species
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