All but one coastal species (C. ranunculus) are found in inland waters, such as springs, pools, creeks and streams.

To cope with extremely low oxygen levels, they will emerge from the water to "gulp" air (known as aerial respiration).

They will hide in the mud and silt at the bottom of a stream, or in a plant or under a rock to avoid more extreme water temperatures.

If there is a flood that results in drastically increased water flow, they anchor themselves to rocks with their pelvic fins.

Human drilling activities in Australia have often reduced the pressure of the aquifers that feed the Australian hot springs that Chlamydogobius rely on, so some species are endangered.