Roman-nose Goby

Interesting Info

• The Roman-nose Goby is found in northern Queensland rivers, especially the wet tropics and Cape York Peninsula, extending into parts of Papua New Guinea and other Indo-Pacific regions.
• It gets its name from its prominent arched head profile, which looks a bit like a Roman nose.
• It is one of the largest freshwater gobies in Australia, with adults reaching 20–25 cm (8–10 in) and some growing up to 30 cm (12 in).
• Their bodies are elongated and muscular, coloured olive-brown to golden, often with darker mottling along the back and pale undersides.
• Males are typically larger than females and may develop brighter colours during the breeding season.
• They are amphidromous: spawning takes place in freshwater rivers and streams, but the newly hatched larvae drift downstream to the sea. After developing in the ocean, juveniles migrate back upstream into rivers.
• Roman-nose Gobies are omnivores, feeding on algae, detritus, insect larvae, and small crustaceans. Their grazing helps keep algae in check and recycles nutrients in tropical river ecosystems.
• They prefer clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers, often in riffles and runs with sandy or rocky bottoms.
• Breeding usually happens in the wet season, when males clear and guard nest sites in sandy or gravelly patches. Females lay eggs that are attached to rocks or other hard surfaces, and males fan and protect them until hatching.
• Because they migrate between rivers and the sea, they are vulnerable to barriers like dams and weirs, which can block juvenile returns.
• Lifespan is thought to be 4–6 years, longer than most small stream gobies.