Western tubenose goby
The Western tubenose goby (Proterorhinus semilunaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 10 cm.
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Description
The western tubenose goby is a small goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 10 cm. The stocky body is dark brown to dark grey with a marbled pattern, the front nostrils are extended into tubes and the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. In the spawning season males develop an orange front edge to the dorsal fin. The species originates from the area west of the Black Sea and reached the Rhine via the Main-Danube Canal; in the Netherlands it was first found in 2002. It lives among stones, shell banks and dense vegetation and is regarded as an invasive alien, possibly at the expense of the Chabot bullhead.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Western tubenose goby?
The Western tubenose goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, marbled goby with tube-shaped front nostrils and a sucking disc of fused pelvic fins; males with an orange front edge to the dorsal fin.
Where does the Western tubenose goby live?
The Western tubenose goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Rivers and lakes west and north-west of the Black Sea.
How big does the Western tubenose goby get?
The Western tubenose goby grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Western tubenose goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Western tubenose goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Western tubenose goby edible?
The Western tubenose goby is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Western tubenose 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 Proterorhinus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Western tubenose goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Western tubenose goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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