| Scientific Name |
(Neogobius melanostomus) |
| Classification and Permitting Level |
1 - Prohibited Aquatic Nuisance Species |
| Species Description |
Round goby is a small (up to 7 inches in the US) invasive fish that has a single, fused pelvic fin that distinguishes it from native sculpins and a black spot on the dorsal fin that distinguishes it from the invasive tubenose goby. |
| Preferred Habitat |
It can typically be found on rocks at the bottom of shallow water in lakes. |
| Reason for ANS Designation |
This fish may harm native fish by preying on small fish, fish eggs, and small bottom-dwelling invertebrates. They also consume the invasive zebra mussel. Once established, there is no good control method. |
| Place of Origin |
Round goby is native to Eurasia but was first documented in the United States in the 1990s. The initial introduction was from the discharge of ballast water into the Great Lakes. |
| Stopping the Spread |
Do not attempt to stock a new species into a waterbody. Besides usually being illegal, new introductions of fish species may disrupt the current ecosystem. |
| Additional Information |
USGS Fact Sheet |
