Indo-Pacific: south to East London, South Africa. Western Central Pacific: Guam.

Often confused with the more common Glossogobius giuris.

Body dark brown to black, with longitudinal rows of small black spot; 2-3 saddles on back and side; black 1st dorsal fin; dark crossbands on pelvic fins.

Inhabits intertidal areas, estuaries, lagoons and coastal rivers. Common in mangroves.