
  Marine Pests of Australia    

Marine Pests of Australia

Japanese Goby- Tridentiger trigonocephalus


It is also known as the Chameleon goby .Their habitat is estuaries and rocky reef areas; resides on the bottom, near objects such as rocks, under which it can hide. These gobies are relatively short-lived, reaching sexual maturity within one year and living up to three years. Females are able to spawn up to 10 times within a breeding season.

They are aggressive, voracious feeders which can forage in total darkness, feeding on crustaceans, polychaetes, gastropods and fish eggs.

Where did they come from?

It is native to Asia, widespread near the coasts of the Eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, China.

Where are they found in Australia?

They are found in NSW - Sydney Harbour, Port Kembla and also in Victoria and Western Australia. These gobies can live in freshwater, brackish and marine habitats, including artificial habitats. It lives in shallow water on (or near) the bottom, under rocks, in burrows, or in crevices.

How was it introduced?

It has spread through ship ballast water or via eggs laid on hulls. A vessel checked in Australia was found to have live gobies living in the ballast tanks.

What is its impact?

They will compete for habitat and spawning sites and is capable of spawning more often and over longer time periods than native species.with species sharing their preferred habitat.

How is it controlled?

Research has found that the Japanese Goby has a ow impact potential and a low invasion potential relative to the other domestic non-native pest species. There are currently no control measures employed to control the Japanese goby.


Japanese Goby

Japanese Goby

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What is a marine pest?
How do they get into Australia?
What impact do they have?
What are the main pest species in Australia?
How are we trying to control marine pests?
Northern Pacific sea star
Green Crab
Pacific Oyster
Aeolid Nudibranch
New Zealand Screw Shell
Asian Mussel
Black Striped Mussel
Chinese Clam
European Fan Worm
Japanese Goby
Japanese Seaweed