Fin's Fish Guide
The Snakehead gudgeon (Giuris margaritacea) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Eleotridae that grows up to 30 cm.
Indo-West Pacific; rivers, lakes and pools, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
Description
The snakehead gudgeon is a sleeper goby of the family Eleotridae from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, dark body with a broad, flattened head and a pearly sheen on the scales. It inhabits mainly fresh water in rivers, lakes and pools but tolerates brackish water and is amphidromous: the larvae develop in the sea before the young return to fresh water. As a bottom dweller it feeds mainly on aquatic insects and small invertebrates; younger fish also graze algae. Sleepers owe their name to their motionless posture. The species is eaten locally and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Snakehead gudgeon?
The Snakehead gudgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Mother-of-pearl sheen on the scales; amphidromous bottom ambush predator of rivers and estuaries.
Where does the Snakehead gudgeon live?
The Snakehead gudgeon lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-West Pacific; rivers, lakes and pools, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
How big does the Snakehead gudgeon get?
The Snakehead gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Snakehead gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Snakehead gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Snakehead gudgeon edible?
The Snakehead gudgeon is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Eleotridae
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