Fin's Fish Guide
The Bighead goby (Ponticola kessleri) is a brackish-water fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea and Danube basins, on vegetated and stony bottoms.
Description
The bighead goby is a Ponto-Caspian goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 22 cm. Characteristic is the broad, large head; the brown-mottled body bears dark saddle blotches. Like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species is native to the brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea and Danube drainages, on vegetated and stony bottoms. As a bottom-dweller it hunts small crustaceans, molluscs, insect larvae and small fish. The bighead goby, like several related Ponto-Caspian gobies, spreads quickly northward across Europe via connected rivers, canals and shipping, becoming a conspicuous newcomer in places. In spring the male guards the eggs laid under a stone. In the Netherlands it was first found in 2007 and has since spread through the large rivers and canals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bighead goby?
The Bighead goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Ponto-Caspian goby with a broad, large head and a brown marbled body with saddle blotches; spreads rapidly via European rivers.
Where does the Bighead goby live?
The Bighead goby lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Ponto-Caspian region: brackish and fresh water of the Black Sea and Danube basins, on vegetated and stony bottoms.
How big does the Bighead goby get?
The Bighead goby grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Bighead goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Bighead goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bighead goby edible?
The Bighead goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bighead goby and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Ponticola
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Bighead goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bighead goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone