Proterorhinus marmoratus, Tubenose Goby

Appearance: The total length of Proterorhinus marmoratus is between 6-11 cm (2-4 in.) and up to a maximum of 11.5 cm (4.5 in.). Its snout is rounded to blunt and overhangs its large mouth opening. Its pelvic fins are fused to form a suction disk and its caudal fin is rounded. Its first dorsal fin has spines while the second dorsal fin is long with one spine followed by many soft rays. Its anal fin has only one spine with many soft rays. The back and sides of its body have small scales with dark blotches on a lighter brown, olive, or tan background, and it has a cream to white belly. Its dorsal fins have prominent black lines and at the base of its caudal fin there is a triangular black spot, bordered by two white spots.

Impacts: P. marmoratus was introduced from ballast water and is now found in the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior. It prefers shallow areas of lakes and rivers with aquatic vegetation for cover and is able to tolerate low levels of dissolved oxygen. P. marmoratus may compete with or prey on native benthic fish species and impact non-benthic fish species that use the same benthic habitat for spawning and nursery areas.

References:

http://wiki.bugwood.org/Proterorhinus_marmoratus/EDDMapSOntario

Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. 2010. Field Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species, 3rd Edition. Queen's Printer for Ontario. Ontario, Canada.

Queen's Printer for Ontario. 2012. Tubenose Goby Fact Sheet. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alberta Fisheries Act
• Maryland Aquatic Nuisance Species Plan
• Minnesota DNR invasive species list
• Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program Tracked Species List
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40

References