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Lizard goby (Rhinogobius flumineus) — Gobiidae

Lizard goby

Rhinogobius flumineus
Family: Gobiidae

The Lizard goby (Rhinogobius flumineus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The lizard goby is a small freshwater goby of the family Gobiidae, endemic to Japan. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a stocky, brownish body with a fine pattern. Adults inhabit the middle and upper reaches of rivers and stay mainly in open, shallow areas with flowing water over gravel and stones. With their fused pelvic fins, which form a sucker, they cling to the bottom against the current. As a small bottom hunter it feeds on insect larvae and other small invertebrates. The male guards the eggs laid on the underside of stones. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lizard goby?

The Lizard goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.

Where does the Lizard goby live?

The Lizard goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Lizard goby get?

The Lizard goby grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Lizard goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Lizard goby is harmless to humans.

Is the Lizard goby edible?

The Lizard goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Rivier-koeliegrondel sourced
English name
Lizard goby sourced
Scientific name
Rhinogobius flumineus
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Marbled inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Rhinogobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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