Habitat type is pretty much the same as the round goby. They frequent areas with large rocks or rip rap. In addition Tubenose gobys also will frequently be found in heavy vegetation along shoreline.
Tubenose gobies can be Identified from the round goby by their darker mottled coloration and the possesion of anterior nostrials. The head of these fish also appears more squared and the eyes are not set so high on the skull.