round goby
(Neogobius melanostomus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Description
Round goby are small (usually less than 7 in. [17.8 cm]), mottled gray and brown fish with a prominent black spot at the rear of the first dorsal fin. All gobies have their pectoral fins fused to a single suction-cup-like disc. They have frog-like, raised eyes
Habitat and Habits
Native to the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe. Round goby occupy the nearshore, preferring rock, cobble, or riprap. Lacking a swim bladder, they are bottom-dwelling, perching on rocks and other surfaces with fused pelvic fins. They tolerate a wide range of conditions, including low oxygen and high pollution.
Ecological Threat
Round goby were introduced to the Great Lakes via ballast water, first discovered in 1990 near Detroit and reported in all five Great Lakes by 1995. Round goby also can spawn multiple times per season. Round goby are aggressive predators of fish eggs, such as those of native smallmouth bass, and contribute to the decline of many valuable sportfish populations. They are aggressive competitors with small, native fish and other bottom-dwellers. Round goby are highly territorial for food, shelter, and optimal spawning sites. Often, anglers are the first to discover round goby because these aggressive fish are commonly caught by hook and line and are a serious nuisance to anglers using live bait. They can be spread by bait bucket transfers and further ballast releases. Do not use gobies as bait!
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
- Alberta Fisheries Act
- Idaho Invasive Species Act
- Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
- Maryland Invasive Species Council - Invasive Species of Concern in Maryland
- Michigan’s Prohibited and Restricted Species
- Mid-Atlantic Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Minnesota DNR invasive species list
- New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Prohibited
- Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
- Pennsylvania's Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species
- Unlisted Species of Interest
- Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Animalia |
| Phylum: Chordata |
| Subphylum: Vertebrata |
| Class: Actinopterygii |
| Subclass: Neopterygii |
| Order: Perciformes |
| Family: Gobiidae |
| Genus: Neogobius |
| Neogobius melanostomus |
References
Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.
Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.