Snakehead gudgeon
(Giuris margaritaceus)
Image source: Jo's Animal Database
General data
Giuris margaritaceus, the snakehead gudgeon, Aporos sleeper, or ornate sleeper, is a species of fish in the family Eleotridae found in marine, brackish, and fresh waters in Asia and Oceania: Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, China and some Japanese islands.
This species grows to a total length of 29 cm (11 in) with a maximum recorded weight of 171 g (6.0 oz).
This species is important to the local peoples as a food fish.
Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 8 - 9.
Characterized by having enlarged, thickened and wide pectoral fins; widely spaced broad fleshy pelvic fin; head and snout flattened, small dorsolaterally oriented eyes; small ventrally placed mouth; accessory lateral line canals dorsal and ventral to the lateral line on the body, including caudal fin base; caudal fin large.
Inhabits relatively steep gradient coastal streams in hilly or mountainous terrain. Feeds on algae and diatoms; effectively clings on rocks and boulders with its broadened pelvic and pectoral fins and flattened head and snout.
