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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Amur goby

Synonyms and Other Names: Ctenogobius bedfordi, Ctenogobius candidianus, Rhinogobius bergi, Rhinogobius formosanus, Rhinogobius nagoyae, Rhinogobius similis, Rhinogobius sowerbyi, Rhinogobius taiwanus

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Distinguishing features: Fused pelvic fins, which form a suction-cup structure on the chest of the fish; a red or dark line running from the front edge of the eye to the tip of its snout; and breeding males are red or blue with colorful fins. Breeding males have fleshy mouths,colorful fins (white margins on anal and dorsal) and bodies are red and blue.

A number of types that are distinguished primarily by body colouration, but also often occupying different habitat types within the same stream are collectively referred to as the Rhinogobius brunneus species complex.  Species in this complex have different life histories and egg sizes (Katoh 1996).  At this time, the taxonomy of this species complex is not resolved.  Therefore, it is not clear whether the type(s) introduced to the U.S.A. constitute one or more species of Rhinogobius.  Specimens have been sent to experts in Japan for identification.

In Japan, the Rhinogobius brunneus complex it thought to comprise at least ten species (Katoh 1996).  A key to the eight species in the Rhinogobius brunneus complex from Taiwan is given in Chen and Shao (1996).

Size: To 10 cm TL (Froese and Pauly 2006).

Native Range: Japan, Russian Far East, Taiwan, Korea, China and the Philippines (Froese and Pauly 2006).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: In their native range, some species in the Rhinogobius brunneus species complex are landlocked, while others have an amphidromous life history, spending portions of their lives in both fresh and saline waters.  Spawning occurs in the Spring in freshwaters (Tamada 2000).  Males construct nests under stones and entice females to spawn (Katoh 1996).  After spawning, males defend and care for the eggs (Katoh 1996; Takahashi and Kohda 2004).  Larvae hatch and drift downstream to the sea where they feed and grow.  Larval drift occurs nocturnally, and the larvae halt their migration in pools with low flow rates during the day (Iguchi and Mizuno 1990).  After a few months in marine waters, juveniles migrate upstream into freshwater for further growth and reproduction, often reaching the headwaters of rivers (Mizuno 1960).  The spawning behaviour and larvae of a Korean population of R. brunneus were described by Han et al. (1998).

Means of Introduction: Probably ballast water, but potentially aquarium trade.

Status: Reported to be spawning in the East Fork Lewis River, Washington state.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: The species has been found in Turkmenistan (Kara Kum Canal) via introduction from China since 1963 (Sal'nikov 1998).  The species has also been introduced to Arabian Gulf via shipping (Wonham et al. 2000).

References: (click for full references)

Chen, I.-S. and K.-T. Shao.  1996.  A taxonomic review of the gobiid fish genus Rhinogobius Gill 1859 from Taiwan, with descriptions of at least three new species.  Zoological studies 35: 200-214.

Froese, R. and D. Pauly (Eds.).  2006.  FishBase.  World Wide Web electronic publication.  www.fishbase.org, version (03/2006).

Iguchi, K. and N. Mizuno.  1990.  Diel changes of larval drift among amphidromous gobies in Japan, especially Rhinogobius brunneus.  Journal of Fish Biology 37: 255-264.

Katoh, M.  1996.  Seasonal variation in gonadal activity of females among four species of freshwater gobies in the Rhinogobius brunneus species complex in Okinawa, Japan.  Ichthyological Research 43: 169-174.

Mizuno, N.  1960.  Study on a fresh water goby, Rhinogobius brunneus Gill, with a proposition on the relationship between landlocking and speciation of some fresh water gobies in Japan.  Memoirs of the College of Science, Kyoto University Service B27: 97-115.

Sal'nikov, V.B.  1998.  Anthropogenic migration of fish in Turkmenistan.  Journal of Ichthyology 38(8): 591-602.

Han, K.-H., Y.-U. Kim and K.-J. Choe.  1998.  Spawning behavior and development of eggs and larvae of the Korea freshwater goby Rhinogobius brunneus (Gobiidae: Perciformes).  Journal of the Korean Fisheries Society 31: 114-120.

Takahashi, D. and M. Kohda.  2004.  Courtship in fast water currents by a male stream goby (Rhinogobius brunneus) communicates the parental quality honestly.  Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 55: 431-438.

Tamada, K.  2000.  Distributions of the spawning grounds of four amphidromous gobies (Rhinogobius spp.) in the Aizu River, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.  Japanese Journal of Ichthyology 47: 55-59.

Wonham, M. J., J. T. Carlton, G. M. Ruiz and L. D. Smith.  2000.  Fishing and ships:  relating dispersal frequency to success in biological invasions.  Marine Biology 136: 1111-1121.

Other Resources:
Goby Alert! flyer from the Aquatic Nuisance Species Project:

http://www.aquaticnuisance.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Goby%20Alert%20July06.pdf

US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Rhinogobius brunneus

Author: Schofield, P.J.

Peer Review Date: 6/30/2009

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.