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Ocellated goby (Papuligobius ocellatus) — Gobiidae

Ocellated goby

Papuligobius ocellatus
Family: Gobiidae
LC · Least Concern

The Ocellated goby (Papuligobius ocellatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Southeast Asia
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The ocellated goby is a small freshwater goby from Southeast Asia, in clear streams and rivers of Laos, Vietnam and southern China. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a light brown body with fine markings and an eyespot in the dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it stays among stones and gravel of flowing waters and feeds on small invertebrates and algae. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Ocellated goby?

The Ocellated goby has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Eyespot in the dorsal fin; bottom-dweller of flowing streams

Where does the Ocellated goby live?

The Ocellated goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia

How big does the Ocellated goby get?

The Ocellated goby grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Ocellated goby dangerous to humans?

No, the Ocellated goby 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 Ocellated goby edible?

The Ocellated goby is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Ocellated goby verified
Scientific name
Papuligobius ocellatus
Family
Gobiidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
Two separate sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Southeast Asia verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and algae inferred
Social behaviour
Solitary sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Stream-dwelling freshwater goby; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Eyespot in the dorsal fin; bottom-dweller of flowing streams sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Papuligobius

More from the family Gobiidae

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