How to Identify Flathead Gudgeon

To identify Flathead Gudgeon (Philypnodon grandiceps), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

Highly variable, typically mottled brown, grey, or olive-green with darker blotches and irregular bands, providing excellent camouflage. The belly is usually paler. Fins often have faint banding or spotting.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, flattened head, wider than the body, Large mouth extending to below the eye, Two distinct dorsal fins, Robust, somewhat cylindrical body tapering towards the caudal fin, Prominent eyes positioned dorsally

Dorsal fin

Two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin has 6-8 spines, and the second dorsal fin has 1 spine and 7-10 soft rays. The first dorsal fin is typically lower than the second.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Large, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are separate (not fused into a disc as in true gobies), located below the pectoral fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Look for the distinctly broad and flattened head, which is wider than the body, giving it its 'flathead' name.

2. 2

   Dorsal Fins

   Observe the two separate dorsal fins. The first dorsal fin is spiny and typically lower than the soft-rayed second dorsal fin.

3. 3

   Pelvic Fins

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

4. 4

   Coloration and Pattern

   Its mottled brown, grey, or olive coloration with irregular blotches provides excellent camouflage against the substrate.

5. 5

   Mouth Size

   The large mouth, extending to below the eye, is characteristic.

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