Quick Facts
Scientific name
Mugilogobius notospilus
Other names
Mangrove Goby
Size
Up to 10 cm (4 in)
Weight
A few grams
Distribution
Habitat & AU Distribution
Fresh, brackish & marine waters amongst muddy areas of estuaries, rivers & mangroves
Depth Range
0 - 4 m (13 ft)
Interesting Info
- The Freshwater Mangrove Goby is a small freshwater fish that is found in the rivers and creeks of northern and eastern Australia, primarily in Queensland.
- It has a streamlined body with a pointed snout, a flattened head. The body coloration of this species can vary depending on their habitat and age, but they generally have a brownish-green or greyish-brown colour with darker stripes or spots along their sides.
- They are able to tolerate a wide range of salinities, which allows them to live in both freshwater and brackish water habitats.
- It is a carnivorous species, feeding primarily on small invertebrates such as shrimp, worms, and insect larvae.
- The breeding behaviour of the Freshwater Mangrove Goby is not well understood, but it is believed that they lay their eggs in small nests or burrows in the sand or gravel. The eggs hatch into larvae, which are carried out to sea by the tides and currents. The larvae eventually return to estuarine and freshwater habitats as juveniles.
- The Freshwater Mangrove Goby is able to breathe air through its skin, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen environments and even temporarily leave the water to escape predators.
- Their lifespan is estimated to be around 3-4 years.
Species Interaction
Aquarium
The Freshwater Mangrove Goby can make an interesting and relatively easy-to-care-for aquarium fish. They are small in size, peaceful, and can be kept in groups or pairs in a suitably sized aquarium.
Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Gobiidae
Genus: Mugilogobius
Species: Mugilogobius notospilus
Conservation Status
The conservation status of the Freshwater Mangrove Goby is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are considered to be widespread and locally abundant throughout their range in northern Australia.
Freshwater Mangrove Goby
As Aquarium Fish
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Compatible: No
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons