The Tube Nosed Goby and Round Goby belong to a large family of fish represented by many species throughout the world. These two particular species were introduced into the St Clair river in the late eighties and have been rapidly growing in numbers. It is believed that the Gobies arrived in North America after being transported in the ballast water of ships originating in Eastern Europe.
The fish are small, about 25 cm in length. They are mottled brown in appearance. The front fins are joined together of gobies are joined together underneath the body to form a suction disk which allows them to stay on the bottom in fast currents. Gobies are the only fish that have this feature.
After being discovered in the St Clair River, gobies have been found in Lake St Clair and the Detroit River. They are also fond in SE Lake Erie and Southern Lake Michigan. It is believed that these latter two populations resulted from the same ballast transport of ships passing through the St Clair River.
Both species of fish feed heavily on insects and small organisms found near the bottom of the rivers and lakes. As the Round Goby reaches maturity, they can also feed on Zebra Mussels. Unfortunately, it is unlikely that gobies will be successful in controlling Zebra Mussel numbers.
The fish have become a nuisance to anglers in the St Clair River due to their habit of stealing bait. They are a very aggressive fish that can occupy and feed in all levels of the river although they suited to the bottom. Similar annoyances met anglers in Lake St Clair when another "accidental" species, the white perch became prominent.
Gobies spawn several times a year and have already begun to impact the St Clair River eco-chain. It appears that they have begun displacing native species such as fresh water sculpin and logperch. It appears that the Goby has the ability to out-compete other bottom dwelling native fish in the system. It is not clear how this will affect the other larger gamefish, but it could affect feeding habits. Walleye and other species are feeding on Gobies in the St Clair River. Goby populations increase despite this predation.
There seems to be absolutely nothing that man can do to control the Goby. Despite predation by larger species, the Goby is likely here to stay. Large quantities of "Goby food" such as Zebra Mussels will allow the Goby to thrive and likely expand into the rest of the Great Lakes.
Piss on this!
Get me outta here!
