Ocellated River Goby

Awaous ocellaris
Ocellated River Goby - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Awaous ocellaris
Family Goby / Gobiidae
Size Up to 13 cm (5.11 in)
Weight Under 10 grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Fresh, brackish & marine waters in streams, rivers & estuaries amongst sandy & gravel bottoms
Depth Range 0 - 1 m (3 ft)
Ocellated River Goby Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Ocellated River Goby is a small freshwater fish species found in many waterways of northern Queensland. They are typically found in the upper reaches of freshwater rivers, streams, and billabongs.
  • They have a distinctive appearance, with a slender body and a rounded head that tapers to a pointed snout. They have a dark brown or black coloration, with pale or white spots and stripes on their sides and dorsal fin.
  • They are active swimmers and can jump out of the water to escape predators.
  • Ocellated River Gobies are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of aquatic invertebrates such as crustaceans, insects, and molluscs.
  • They can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including low oxygen levels and high salinity.
  • Ocellated River Gobies are known to migrate upstream during the breeding season, where they spawn in shallow riffles and runs. The males are territorial and will defend their nest sites from other males.
  • The female Ocellated River Goby can lay up to 300 eggs at a time, which are guarded by the male until they hatch.
  • Their lifespan is estimated to be around 2-3 years.
Species Interaction

Aquarium

Ocellated River Gobies can make interesting and rewarding aquarium pets for experienced fish keepers. They are sometimes kept in home aquariums as they have a unique appearance and exhibit interesting behaviour.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gobiiformes

Family: Oxudercidae

Genus: Awaous

Species: Awaous ocellaris

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Ocellated River Goby is currently assessed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be facing any significant threats at the global level and is relatively abundant in many parts of its range.

Ocellated River Goby
As Aquarium Fish

Care Level: Moderate to difficult

Temperament: Peaceful

Diet: Carnivore

Reef Compatible: No

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons