goby

went out netting yesterday and got something i have never seen around here i am pretty sure its a goby i have looked at all my books.i caught him in a small creek outside fremont ohio i didnt think there where any around here

That is a round goby which is an invasive species in Lake Erie and the rest of the great lakes as well. They were introduced in the mid 90's through ballast water from large ships. Make sure you check out your fishing license under aquatic nuisance species, and you probably want to kill that thing asap...

i know they where in lake erie but to see one this far in land and the creek i caught him in was small it worrys me that they are this far inland. do you think i should call the dnr and let them know where i got him from

Edited by Warmouth19, 19 March 2010 - 10:14 AM.

Here's some identification info: http://www.seagrant....u/ais/roundgoby . Looking at your location in Google Maps, seems you're quite closely connected to Lake Erie, so not surprising they'd be making their way up streams a bit.

Assuming that's what it is, humane euthanasia is definitely the only option. If you caught it at any significant distance from the lake, you probably ought to notify the local fish and wildlife folks.

Edit: I see you replied since I started typing. Yes, I'd let the DNR know.

Edited by jase, 19 March 2010 - 10:15 AM.

Yes they are in many of the small tribs to the lake but interestingly enough they don't seem to be as common in the larger streams. I don't think there is any need to contact anyone in this case it is already known they have moved inland some what.

This might seem rude and I'm sorry in advance if this seems blunt.
It's important we (people who collect wild fish and photos) know what we take before we take it and observe the laws of collection and transport.
Various states treat transportation of invasive species differently so it might not always be easy to know the law but it's important each member of the forum take the time to acquaint themselves with the law before you take a fish home. It's also very important to be able to properly ID a fish since you could very well transport an endangered or nuisance fish in violation of the law.

I know that sounds preachy and nobody likes to be preached to about laws and ethics but as I've said before...If we don't police ourselves, I'm sure someone else would be happy to
I also want to let you know that I'm not trying to single you out and pick on you (that would be this same message via PM) but I hope by posting this way, others can learn and perhaps take some time while the water is still chilly to check their local law on these issues.

I have something exactly like that in streams by my house.

it seems to me by saying that all your going to do is stop people from asking for help. i have only been into natives for about 2 years and it has become my number 1 hobby. when i caught this fish i had my fish of ohio field guide with me so i was 95% sure it was a goby but i came here for 2 reasons to make 100% sure it was a goby and to see if i should call dnr and tell them where i caught i can tell you this i will not kill this fish i dont beleve in killing one little fish that just seems stupid do we kill carp when we catch them.at one time they where an invasive fish so if i catch something like that and instead of bring him home to live in a nice fish tank for life i can just let him go.sorry if thats seems rough but i dont kill fish unless im eating him.that fish didnt come here on his own man brought him here so please dont blame the fish for begin invasive blame the one who brought him here thanks.

it seems to me by saying that all your going to do is stop people from asking for help. i have only been into natives for about 2 years and it has become my number 1 hobby. when i caught this fish i had my fish of ohio field guide with me so i was 95% sure it was a goby but i came here for 2 reasons to make 100% sure it was a goby and to see if i should call dnr and tell them where i caught i can tell you this i will not kill this fish i dont beleve in killing one little fish that just seems stupid do we kill carp when we catch them.at one time they where an invasive fish so if i catch something like that and instead of bring him home to live in a nice fish tank for life i can just let him go.sorry if thats seems rough but i dont kill fish unless im eating him.that fish didnt come here on his own man brought him here so please dont blame the fish for begin invasive blame the one who brought him here thanks.

It seems like Uland was simply and courteously pointing out important information for you and others. A quick google search for gobies in oh leads right here:
http://www.dnr.state...29/Default.aspx

The reality is it is illegal to let him go whether it seems logical, fair, or moral and it is your choice to take that risk. But it is this forum's right to advise you to take a more proactive preparation for collecting natives. And one point that has been said repeatedly is before collecting make yourself aware of pertinent regulations. That can be done here but it is quite easy to do in this age online through your state's fish and wildlife departments. This isn't meant to hurt anyone's feelings but really how many times and ways does it need to be said!

i can tell you this i will not kill this fish i dont beleve in killing one little fish that just seems stupid

Are you kidding me? It is illegal to keep the invasives, especially Round Gobies. Best thing is put that goby down if you don't want a nice fine. But it is up to you.

Not to be a bother by resurrecting a recent (and sore by some people's standards) topic, but I just was to say that Uland...that was VERY well said.

Warmouth19,

You really should not take offense to anything anyone has said about this fish. It is as simple as the fish is indeed illegal to possess and or release, legally speaking the fish has to be put down. Many people make mistakes like this when first getting into the hobby and yes some of them may be avoidable with a little more research but they still happen from time to time. It is an honest mistake and if you get rid of the fish humanely I don't think anyone would come after you and fine you but if you openly say your going to keep or release it then you are going on the record saying something that could result in a hefty fine and or revocation of your fishing license. I wouldn't take any of this as people getting angry at you but rather trying to help you from getting in trouble and NANFA setting an example of following the law. I can't speak for everyone else but I certainly don't think anything less of you for accidentally bringing home a fish your not allowed to have.

Logan,

If you live close to one of the great lakes and are in the streams are in the same drainage system it is not surprising.

just looked at your location so I guess this is not true for you...

This might seem rude and I'm sorry in advance if this seems blunt.
It's important we (people who collect wild fish and photos) know what we take before we take it and observe the laws of collection and transport.
Various states treat transportation of invasive species differently so it might not always be easy to know the law but it's important each member of the forum take the time to acquaint themselves with the law before you take a fish home. It's also very important to be able to properly ID a fish since you could very well transport an endangered or nuisance fish in violation of the law.

I know that sounds preachy and nobody likes to be preached to about laws and ethics but as I've said before...If we don't police ourselves, I'm sure someone else would be happy to
I also want to let you know that I'm not trying to single you out and pick on you (that would be this same message via PM) but I hope by posting this way, others can learn and perhaps take some time while the water is still chilly to check their local law on these issues.

I have to agree on all points. Joe

it seems to me by saying that all your going to do is stop people from asking for help. i have only been into natives for about 2 years and it has become my number 1 hobby. when i caught this fish i had my fish of ohio field guide with me so i was 95% sure it was a goby but i came here for 2 reasons to make 100% sure it was a goby and to see if i should call dnr and tell them where i caught i can tell you this i will not kill this fish i dont beleve in killing one little fish that just seems stupid do we kill carp when we catch them.at one time they where an invasive fish so if i catch something like that and instead of bring him home to live in a nice fish tank for life i can just let him go.sorry if thats seems rough but i dont kill fish unless im eating him.that fish didnt come here on his own man brought him here so please dont blame the fish for begin invasive blame the one who brought him here thanks.

I dont believe anyone was attacking you or trying to flame you. I am genuinely sorry you felt that way. I am also glad you posted, but it is your responsibilty as a citizen of the state of Ohio to euthanize, an invasive exotic that will only do harm (and has done much harm to the ecosystem of the Great lakes already) to natives; by letting the Round Goby go you are possibly helping to endanger sculpins, and many species of darter in your area (look up these species and know by letting him go you are endangering them). If every person who comes across a exotic in our waters euthanized it, it can only help in the controll of exotics.
I am NOT trying to attack you or embarrass you....your new and are just learning; but the laws are there for reasons that are very important to your local ecosystem, please follow them. NANFA is here to try and educate about the keeping of Natives,conservation of, and also the correct way to do so; so please dont take what was said personnally, or let it hamper your enthusiasm for keeping natives, but we really wouldnt want you to get in trouble or inadvertantly harm the enviroment and Nanfa be the cause of it. Thanks Joe.

I'd like to keep one or two, but it's illegal so I won't. It's illegal to have them, release them, or even use them for bait. It may seem illogical, since they're here and they aren't going anywhere, but it's the law. Truthfully, I'd throw it back and pretend I didn't see it if I seined one up. There are other fish to keep.

NANFA is here to educate. We don't want to see anyone get in trouble, but this is a public forum and if someone tells us about something we know is against the law, we have to speak up. I've learned a lot about the laws that apply to catching and keeping native fish here, and I learned these things because they were discussed here, like we're doing now. We don't want to insult or offend anyone, just educate.

Dear Goby Lover,

Don't let anyone here tell you what to do. Some folks can come off a little (a lot?) bossy and paternalistic (controlling?). I think you are now fully aware of the legal and moral ramifications of having acquired and retained this fish. I suppose you might be grateful to the above mentioned persons for that. I have to tell you, in all honesty, that I have often kept fish simply because I did not know what they were and I wanted to find out. In my experience, it has been an effective means of learning. And coming here to ask about it is a good idea. Just be prepared that you might not get exactly the response you may want or expect. That's also a learning experience. I am a strong proponent of at least knowing what species are protected or in trouble in the waters you will be sampling. That will give you a start with staying out of trouble. And take fish conservatively. By that I mean, if there's something you can't identify, only take one or two for the purpose of IDing them at home, or here. Or, if you want to be really safe, take a pocket camera with you, hold the fish in your hand or a net and get a snap shot on site, then release the fish. Post the shots here, and we can all enjoy a game of "Name That Fish". Anyway, keep fishing, keep learning, don't worry, be happy!

PS - Not everyone has the same approach or ideals about life. Some like to have all their ducks in a row before they step outside, some like to fly by the seat of their pants. Celebrate Diversity!

One more thing... by posting your fish picture here, you have helped others to know what a round goby looks like, so when they are out, they will have a head start on IDing this _very_ oddball species from the other side of the globe. This fish should be expected in any waters that drain into the Great Lakes. I know that's a very imprecise description of it's range, but I'm not going to look it up right now. Google it! Anyway, please, no one be discouraged from posting something here because of personal issues. We all need whatever info you have to share. Bring it on!

Dear Goby Lover,

Don't let anyone here tell you what to do. Some folks can come off a little (a lot?) bossy and paternalistic (controlling?). I think you are now fully aware of the legal and moral ramifications of having acquired and retained this fish. I suppose you might be grateful to the above mentioned persons for that. I have to tell you, in all honesty, that I have often kept fish simply because I did not know what they were and I wanted to find out. In my experience, it has been an effective means of learning. And coming here to ask about it is a good idea. Just be prepared that you might not get exactly the response you may want or expect. That's also a learning experience. I am a strong proponent of at least knowing what species are protected or in trouble in the waters you will be sampling. That will give you a start with staying out of trouble. And take fish conservatively. By that I mean, if there's something you can't identify, only take one or two for the purpose of IDing them at home, or here. Or, if you want to be really safe, take a pocket camera with you, hold the fish in your hand or a net and get a snap shot on site, then release the fish. Post the shots here, and we can all enjoy a game of "Name That Fish". Anyway, keep fishing, keep learning, don't worry, be happy!

PS - Not everyone has the same approach or ideals about life. Some like to have all their ducks in a row before they step outside, some like to fly by the seat of their pants. Celebrate Diversity!

Well, except following the NANFA code of ethics when posting on this forum....and reading your laws about collection and transport --- that must be my bossy side coming out again

I think Warmouth 19 gets the message and I hope other members also might see the importance of the many responses in this thread. With that, I declare this thread has served it's useful life and I'm closing it. If members wish to start a general topic about posting guidelines, bossy/controlling moderators or NANFA code of ethics, please seek the appropriate forum and set fire to that keyboard!