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Round Goby

Maneggiare con cura

Neogobius melanostomus

Conosciuto anche come: Ghiozzo nero, Black Goby, Stone Goby

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Descrizione

Neogobius melanostomus, commonly known as the Round Goby, is a benthic fish native to the Ponto-Caspian region of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is characterized by its robust body, prominent head, and distinctive black spot on the anterior dorsal fin. This species is highly adaptable and has become a significant invasive species in many parts of the world, particularly in the Great Lakes of North America and various European waterways, due to its aggressive nature, rapid reproduction, and broad diet.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
elongated
Colorazione
Mottled brown, gray, and olive green, providing excellent camouflage against benthic substrates. The ventral side is typically lighter. Males often darken significantly during the breeding season, becoming almost entirely black.
Tipo di squame
ctenoid
Posizione della bocca
terminal
Caratteristiche distintive
Large, prominent head with a broad mouth., Single, prominent black spot on the posterior margin of the first dorsal fin., Fused pelvic fins forming a suction cup-like disc., Large, protruding eyes located high on the head.
Pinna dorsale
Two dorsal fins; the first is spiny with 6-7 spines, and the second is soft-rayed with 14-18 rays. The first dorsal fin has a distinct black spot posteriorly.
Pinna caudale
Rounded caudal fin.
Pinna pettorale
Large, fan-like pectoral fins.
Pinne distintive
Pelvic fins are fused into a single, anteriorly concave, suction-cup-like disc, characteristic of gobies.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Dorsal Fin Spot

Look for a single, prominent black spot on the posterior end of the first dorsal fin. This is a key distinguishing feature.

Pelvic Fin

Observe the pelvic fins; they are fused into a single, rounded, suction-cup-like disc, which is characteristic of gobies.

Head Shape

Note the large, broad head and prominent, slightly bulging eyes.

Lateral Line

The lateral line is typically incomplete or absent in gobies, but the sensory canals on the head are well-developed.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
brackish
Profondità
Typically found in shallow waters, from 0.5 to 30 meters, but can occur deeper.
Ambiente
Prefers benthic habitats with rocky, sandy, or gravelly substrates, often associated with submerged vegetation, artificial structures (docks, breakwaters), and areas with strong currents. Tolerant of a wide range of salinities, from freshwater to marine conditions.
Areale geografico
Native to the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Sea of Azov and their tributaries. Invasive populations are widespread in the Baltic Sea, Great Lakes of North America, and numerous river systems in Europe (e.g., Rhine, Danube, Seine, Elbe, Po).

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: intermediate
  • Temperamento: territorial
  • Dieta: carnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 30 gallons
  • Temperatura: 10-25°C (50-77°F)
  • Livello di pH: 7.0-8.5
  • Durezza: 10-25 dGH
  • Compatibilità: Not suitable for community tanks with smaller, docile fish due to its aggressive and predatory nature. Best kept in a species-specific tank or with larger, robust fish.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a substrate of sand or fine gravel with plenty of rocks, caves, and other hiding places to establish territories. Good filtration is essential. Can tolerate a wide range of salinities, from freshwater to brackish.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: Spawns multiple times from April to September, with peak activity in late spring and early summer. Active year-round in suitable temperatures.
  • Prezzo di mercato: N/A (primarily an invasive species, not commercially fished for consumption)
  • Importanza commerciale: none
  • Sapore: Mild, slightly earthy
  • Consistenza: Firm, flaky white meat
  • Metodi di cottura: Frying, Baking, Grilling
  • Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though consumption is generally not encouraged due to potential bioaccumulation of contaminants in invasive populations.

Fatti chiave

Invasive Successbehavior

The Round Goby is one of the most successful and widespread invasive fish species globally, largely due to its adaptability, aggressive nature, and high reproductive rate.

Ponto-Caspian Originevolution

Its native range is the Ponto-Caspian region, encompassing the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Sea of Azov, from where it has spread through shipping canals and ballast water.

Voracious Predatorbehavior

Round Gobies are voracious predators, consuming a wide variety of benthic invertebrates, fish eggs, and small fish, including those of native species, impacting food webs.

Parental Carebehavior

Males exhibit strong parental care, guarding nests of eggs laid by multiple females until they hatch, which contributes to their reproductive success.

Suction Cup Finsamazing

Their fused pelvic fins form a suction cup, allowing them to cling to rocks and other substrates in strong currents, a key adaptation for their benthic lifestyle.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Maneggiare con cura
  • Livello di sicurezza: caution
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: not recommended
  • Note sul maneggio: Round Gobies possess sharp spines in their dorsal and anal fins, which can inflict painful punctures. Handle with care, preferably using gloves or a net. They are also known to bite when handled, though their bite is not dangerous. In invasive regions, it is recommended not to release captured individuals back into the water to prevent further spread.

Specie simili

Tub Goby

Proterorhinus marmoratus

The Tub Goby has a pair of tubular nostrils that extend over the upper lip, which are absent in the Round Goby. It also lacks the distinct black spot on the first dorsal fin.

Monkey Goby

Neogobius fluviatilis

The Monkey Goby typically has a more elongated body and a less prominent head. It lacks the distinct black spot on the first dorsal fin and often has a more uniform coloration.

Racer Goby

Babka gymnotrachelus

The Racer Goby has distinct dark vertical bands or blotches along its flanks and lacks the prominent black spot on the first dorsal fin. Its head is also typically less robust than that of the Round Goby.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Gobiiformes
Famiglia
Gobiidae
Genere
Neogobius
Specie
melanostomus

Esplora Round Goby

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