Fin's Fish Guide
The Ambon gudgeon (Butis amboinensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 14 cm.
Description
The Ambon gudgeon is a small sleeper goby from the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Philippines and Indonesia to Micronesia, Japan and the islands of the western Pacific. It grows to about 14 cm and has an olive-coloured body with a flattened head and two separate dorsal fins. It lives in fresh, brackish and marine coastal water and is amphidromous. A striking habit is hanging upside down under dead wood with its eyes facing downwards. As an ambush hunter it catches small fish, shrimp and prawns. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ambon gudgeon?
The Ambon gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Often hangs upside down beneath dead wood; ambush predator
Where does the Ambon gudgeon live?
The Ambon gudgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific
How big does the Ambon gudgeon get?
The Ambon gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Ambon gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Ambon gudgeon is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Ambon gudgeon edible?
The Ambon gudgeon is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Butis
More from the family Eleotridae
Want the complete picture on the Ambon gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ambon gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.