| Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| Max. size: |
50 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine; depth range 0 - 5 m, amphidromous |
| Distribution: |
Africa to Oceania: Red Sea and East Africa, south to Transkei in South Africa, and most inland freshwater bodies over the Indian Ocean and western Pacific (Ref. 4343, 52193). Common in coastal and estuarine waters from austral Africa and Madagascar to India and south of China. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Description: Head flattened, depressed; mouth large, lower jaw projecting (Ref. 4967, 52193). Dorsal fin with 7 spines and 9 soft rays; anal fin with 1 spine and 8 soft rays; pelvic fins jointed but attached to the body only from their anterior part; caudal fin bluntly or sharply pointed (Ref. 48660, 52193). Scales in lateral series 29-33; nape with visible scales; 15-19 predorsal scales (Ref. 52193). Colouration: Translucent brown with dark brown or black spots and blotches along back and forming a series along midbody; with 5 to 6 dark and rounded spots on its sides; some specimens living on dark substrates can be very dark also, some living on very light substrates show an ivory coloration; dorsal fins are light with small brownish spots forming longitudinal stripes; pelvic fins are grey; pectorals and caudal are grey and often hyaline (Ref. 2798, 48660, 52193). |
| Biology: |
Found mainly in freshwater and estuaries, but also enter the sea (Ref. 4833). Also occur in canals, ditches and ponds (Ref. 12693). Found in clear to turbid streams with rock, gravel or sand bottoms (Ref. 2847). Encountered in medium to large-sized rivers of the lower Mekong (Ref. 12975). Feed on small insects, crustaceans and small fish. Grow to a much larger size in brackish water than in fresh water. Marketed fresh (Ref. 12693). Cannibalism is relatively common for this species (Ref. 48660). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 11 August 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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