Fin's Fish Guide
The Bichique (Sicyopterus lagocephalus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Indo-Pacific; fast-flowing clear rainforest streams, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
Description
The red-tailed goby is a goby of the family Gobiidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate body; males can show a red tail and bright courtship colours. Adults inhabit fast-flowing sections of clear rainforest streams over rocky bottoms. It is an amphidromous species: after hatching the larvae wash to sea and the young fish later return and climb up waterfalls using their fused, sucker-like pelvic fins. With its rasping, downward-facing mouth it grazes algae from stones. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bichique?
The Bichique has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Amphidromous: climbs waterfalls with a ventral sucker; rasps algae from stones.
Where does the Bichique live?
The Bichique lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; fast-flowing clear rainforest streams, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
How big does the Bichique get?
The Bichique grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Bichique dangerous to humans?
No, the Bichique is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bichique edible?
The Bichique is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Sicyopterus
More from the family Gobiidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bichique is one of 12,519 species in the app.