In August 2025, the IUCN Species Survival Commission launched the Goby and Blenny Specialist Group, dedicated to the conservation of c. 4,000 species of gobies, blennies, clingfishes and dragonets. This phylogenetically diverse but functionally coherent guild comprises small, benthic fishes that are critical for ecosystem functions. Yet these taxa face many significant but poorly addressed conservation challenges. Their limited distributions and microhabitat specializations render them vulnerable to both broad and local disturbances such as coastal development, wetland conversion, habitat degradation and fisheries. The loss of even small habitat patches can result in population decline or extirpation.

The small size and cryptic colouration of these fishes cause them to be overlooked in biodiversity assessments and monitoring programmes, and significant proportions of these taxa remain undescribed. Current understanding indicates widespread prevalence of cryptic diversity, suggesting that more species exist than are currently recognized, and that each of these species thus occupies a smaller distribution range than now inferred. Detailed life history or ecological information is available for only a small subset of species, hindering threat assessments and effective conservation planning. These gaps in taxonomic and ecological knowledge mean species may go extinct before they are ever formally documented.

Mounting anthropogenic pressures exacerbate the threats. Some species of gobies and blennies are targeted in small-scale and artisanal extraction, commonly in multi-species fisheries; although primarily for local consumption, these are often intensive. Managing these fisheries is particularly challenging because determining catch composition is difficult, and small catch volumes translate into a large number of individuals. In addition, impacts from live extraction for the global aquarium trade are poorly understood. The combination of increasing collection pressure, destructive fishing methods, limited distribution and inadequate data may place many species at risk, especially in areas with high endemicity. Conversely, some species, such as the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, have established populations outside their native range, to the detriment of recipient communities.

The Goby and Blenny Specialist Group aims to unite taxonomic experts, conservation practitioners and stakeholders to fill critical knowledge gaps, promote action and coordinate global conservation efforts. Our diverse expert network will provide technical advice to shape research priorities and inform management policies, ensure comprehensive assessments for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and IUCN Green Status of Species, and develop strategic conservation plans to guide conservation action. Follow us as we build a connected global community that advances the conservation of these small but important fish taxa.