ANIMAL SPECIES:Striped Gudgeon, Gobiomorphus australis (Krefft, 1864)
The Striped Gudgeon has a small mouth that extends posteriorly to a point level with the front margin of the eye. It has two dorsal fins, the soft-rayed second dorsal fin being slightly taller than the spiny dorsal fin. The background colour of the Striped Gudgeon varies from brown to grey dorsally fading to cream or grey ventrally. It has five to seven dark stripes on the sides of the body, and a dark stripe running posteriorly from the eye.
Identification
The Striped Gudgeon has a small mouth that extends posteriorly to a point level with the front margin of the eye. It has two dorsal fins, the soft-rayed second dorsal fin being slightly taller than the spiny dorsal fin.
The background colour of the Striped Gudgeon varies from brown to grey dorsally fading to cream or grey ventrally. It has five to seven dark stripes on the sides of the body, and a dark stripe running posteriorly from the eye.
The pectoral fin base is crossed by a white bar, and the upper pectoral fin base has a dark spot. The two dorsal fins and caudal fin have rows of brown spots.
Size range
The Striped Gudgeon grows to 22 cm in length but is more commonly seen up to 12 cm long.Distribution
The Striped Gudgeon occurs in coastal streams of southern Queensland, New South Wales and eastern Victoria.
Habitat
The species is mostly found in slow-flowing, often muddy water streams.
Behaviour and adaptations
Feeding and Diet
Adults feed on Eastern Gambusia and aquatic insects.
Mating and reproduction
The breeding season for this species extends from late summer into autumn. During this time, the colouration of males intensifies.
Classification
- Species:
- australis
- Genus:
- Gobiomorphus
- Family:
- Eleotridae
- Class:
- Actinopterygii
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Phylum:
- Chordata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
References
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
- Larson, H.K. & D.F. Hoese in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
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