Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese gudgeon (Bostrychus sinensis) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Chinese sleeper is a sleeper goby from coastal and brackish water of the northwest Pacific, along China, Korea and Taiwan. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a stocky, dark-brown mottled body and a broad head, often with an eyespot at the tail base. It lives in muddy tidal areas, mangroves and estuaries and digs burrows, from which it hunts small fish and crustaceans. It is a valued food fish. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese gudgeon?
The Chinese gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Broad head with an eyespot on the caudal base; digs burrows in mud
Where does the Chinese gudgeon live?
The Chinese gudgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northwest Pacific
How big does the Chinese gudgeon get?
The Chinese gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Chinese gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese 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 Chinese gudgeon edible?
Yes, the Chinese gudgeon is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Bostrychus
More from the family Eleotridae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.