Neogobius fluviatilis (Pallas, 1814)

Freyhof, JÖrg, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Baran, Jouladeh-Roudbar, Arash & Kaya, Cüneyt, 2025, Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia, De Gruyter : 663-664

Neogobius fluviatilis

Common name. Monkey goby.

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Neogobius entering freshwater in Black and Caspian Sea basins by: ○ first branched ray of second dorsal about twice as long as penultimate ray / ○ 55–61+2–4 scales in midlateral series / ○ no black spot in posterior part of first dorsal. Size up to 200 mm SL.

Distribution. Azov, Black Sea, Marmara, and Caspian basins. Usually near estuaries but often far inland. Invasive in upper parts of rivers in northern Black Sea basin and first recorded in 2011 in lower Maritza on Greek–Turkish border. Also invasive in Europe (Baltic basin, Danube, Rhine). Not known to be invasive in West Asia.

Habitat. Sea shores, inshore habitats, lakes, estuaries, brackish, and freshwater lagoons, large- to medium-sized

rivers and streams. Mostly found on open sand or mud bottoms. One of the most abundant species in large lowland rivers.

Biology. Lives up to 5 years. First spawns at 2 years in April–July, locally until September, when temperature rises above 13°C. Female may spawn repeatedly during season. Nuptial male black with yellow fin edges. Adhesive eggs laid on stones, shells, and aquatic plants. Male excavate nests under any type of hard substrate and guard eggs until hatching. Feeds on a wide variety of invertebrates, especially molluscs.

Conservation status. LC.

Remarks. Neogobius fluviatilis appears to be absent from the southern Caspian basin.

Further reading. Pinchuk et al. 2003a (biology, description).

Neogobius melanostomus ; Elbe drainage, Germany; ~ 100 mm SL.