Roman-nose Goby

Awaous acritosus
Roman-nose Goby - Marinewise © 2024 MarineWise

Quick Facts

Scientific name Awaous acritosus
Family Goby / Gobiidae
Size Up to 18 cm (7.08 in)
Weight Under .30 kg (.66 lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater streams, creeks, rivers & estuaries over sandy, muddy & gravel bottoms often near vegetation
Depth Range 0 - 3 m (10 ft)
Roman-nose Goby Distribution

Interesting Info

  • The Roman-nose Goby is a freshwater fish species found in tropical regions of northern Australia.
  • It has a distinctive appearance, with a rounded body and a long, pointed snout that gives it a “Roman nose” shape.
  • Its body coloration varies from light brown to olive green with darker blotches and stripes.
  • The Roman-nose Goby is a benthic species that prefers to live in fast-flowing, rocky streams and rivers.
  • It is a very hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including low oxygen levels and high temperatures.
  • The fish feeds primarily on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small molluscs. It is a highly territorial species and will aggressively defend its territory against other fish.
  • It is also known for its breeding behaviour, which involves the male building a nest out of pebbles and then attracting a female to lay her eggs inside. The male then guards the nest and the eggs until they hatch, which usually takes around 10 days.
  • The Roman-nose Goby is not considered a commercially important species, but it is highly valued by aquarium enthusiasts.
  • The lifespan of this species is not well documented, but similar species have been known to live for up to 5 years or more.
Species Interaction

Aquarium Fish

The Roman-nose Goby can be a rewarding aquarium fish for experienced hobbyists who are willing to provide them with appropriate care and a suitable environment. However, they may not be the best choice for beginners or those with community tanks.

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gobiiformes

Family: Oxudercidae

Genus: Awaous

Species: Awaous acritosus

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Roman-nose Goby is currently listed as Least Concern (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that, based on available evidence, the species is not currently facing a significant risk of extinction in the wild.

Roman-nose Goby
As Aquarium Fish

Care Level: Moderate to difficult

Temperament: Aggressive

Diet: Omnivore

Reef Compatible: No

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons