Identification
A yellowish-brown body carries faint bands over the back and a series of darker blotches along the sides. The dorsal fins have slanting rows of spots, and the tail has darker vertical bands. The pelvic fins join into a disc beneath the body.
Size and Weight
The species summary reports 9 cm standard length, about 3.5 inches without the tail fin. An Australian account gives a smaller 5.5 cm standard-length maximum. These regional and broader summaries should not be combined into a growth range or used to calculate an unsupported weight. No reliable maximum body mass was established.
Habitat
Records place this goby on sand, silt, mud and gravel in lower rivers and estuarine margins. Australian observations include freshwater just above tidal influence, while other accounts emphasize brackish river mouths. Both settings are relevant to recognizing its habitat.
Feeding and Fishing Context
Species-specific feeding evidence is limited in the references checked. Detailed diets published for Tank Goby or other Glossogobius species cannot be assigned to Bearded Goby simply because they share a genus. No tested bait or lure recommendation is included for this small fish.
Look Beneath the Chin
The paired chin barbels are a concrete feature behind the common name. Combined with the flattened head and patterned body, they are more useful for identification than the word “goby” alone.
All Lakes With Bearded Goby
Browse all lakes and reservoirs with confirmed Bearded Goby records in our database, listed alphabetically.
No published lakes are currently linked to this species in our confirmed records.