How to Identify Striped Gudgeon

To identify Striped Gudgeon (Gobiomorphus australis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Variable, typically light brown to olive-green dorsally, fading to a lighter ventral surface. Distinctive dark, irregular, horizontal stripes or blotches run along the flanks. Fins are often dusky with faint banding.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust body with a large head and broad mouth., Two separate dorsal fins., Prominent dark horizontal stripes or blotches along the body., Large, slightly protruding eyes.

Dorsal fin

Two separate dorsal fins; the first dorsal fin has 6-8 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 8-10 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are separate and located thoracically, not fused into a disc as in true gobies.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the characteristic dark, irregular horizontal stripes or blotches along the sides of the body, which are usually quite prominent.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Note the presence of two distinct dorsal fins, a key feature distinguishing gudgeons from some other small freshwater fish.

3. 3

   Head and Mouth

   Observe the relatively large head and broad, terminal mouth, indicative of its predatory feeding habits.

4. 4

   Pelvic Fins

   Confirm that the pelvic fins are separate, not fused into a suction disc, which differentiates it from true gobies (family Gobiidae).

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