How to Identify Firetail Gudgeon

To identify Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Generally translucent to silvery-brown, with a darker lateral stripe often present. Breeding males develop striking red to orange coloration on their fins (especially the caudal fin) and sometimes on the body, giving them their 'firetail' name. Females are typically duller in coloration.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Two distinct dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed., Large eyes relative to head size., Often exhibits a dark lateral stripe., Vibrant red/orange caudal fin in breeding males.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first with VI-VIII spines, the second with I spine and 7-10 soft rays.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are separate and located thoracically.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Typically grows to 4-6 cm (1.6-2.4 inches) in total length, with a maximum recorded size of about 7 cm (2.8 inches).

2. 2

   Coloration (Breeding Males)

   Look for the distinctive bright red or orange caudal fin and sometimes body coloration, especially during the breeding season.

3. 3

   Dorsal Fins

   Presence of two separate dorsal fins, a characteristic of gudgeons.

4. 4

   Lateral Stripe

   Often exhibits a faint to prominent dark lateral stripe running from the snout to the caudal peduncle.

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