River Goby
Awaous banana
Also known as: yellow river goby
A sand-sifting river giant that grazes algae like an aquatic lawnmower.
About
The river goby (Awaous banana) is a hefty, bottom-dwelling goby found across a wide stretch of the Americas, from the freshwater streams of northern Florida down through the Caribbean islands and along the Atlantic coast to Venezuela. In the wild it gravitates toward clear, well-oxygenated streams with sandy or gravelly substrates, though it can also turn up in murkier, slower-moving waters when conditions demand. The body is elongated and somewhat cylindrical in the way of most gobies, built for hugging the bottom and moving through current. What sets this species apart nutritionally is its heavy reliance on filamentous algae. A fairly unusual dietary preference for a fish of its size, which means a well-established tank with some natural algae growth will suit it far better than one kept spotlessly clean. At up to nearly a foot in length, this is not a fish for small setups, and it appreciates open sandy areas where it can do what gobies do best: rest, forage, and occasionally rearrange the substrate. It tolerates a surprisingly wide range of water conditions, which helps, but its size and specific habitat preferences put it squarely in intermediate territory. Given the right space and diet, it is a rewarding and characterful fish to keep.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with River Goby
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the River Goby get?
- The River Goby reaches about 7–12" as an adult.
- What size tank does the River Goby need?
- A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for the River Goby.
- What water parameters does the River Goby need?
- The River Goby does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 6.5–8.
- Is the River Goby aggressive?
- The River Goby is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the River Goby eat?
- The River Goby is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the River Goby live?
- With good care, the River Goby typically lives 5-8 years.