How to Identify Burmese gobyeel

To identify Burmese gobyeel (Taenioides buchanani), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Generally a uniform dull brown, grey, or yellowish-brown, often paler ventrally. The coloration can vary slightly depending on the substrate it inhabits, providing camouflage.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

inferior

Distinctive features

Extremely elongated, cylindrical, and eel-like body., Very small, almost vestigial eyes, often covered by skin, indicating a reliance on other senses in its dark, burrowing habitat., Small, downward-pointing mouth with small, conical teeth., Absence of scales, giving the skin a smooth, slimy appearance., Fused pelvic fins forming a disc-like structure, characteristic of gobies, though often reduced in this genus., Long dorsal and anal fins that are continuous with the caudal fin, forming a single, continuous fin fold.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins, but often appear as a single, long, continuous fin with the caudal and anal fins. The first dorsal fin is typically very small and consists of a few weak spines, while the second dorsal is much longer and soft-rayed.

Tail fin

Rounded or pointed, continuous with the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small and rounded, located just behind the head.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are fused into a small, disc-like structure, characteristic of gobies, but often reduced and difficult to discern in this species due to its elongated body and burrowing lifestyle.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Look for an extremely elongated, snake-like body, distinctly different from typical gobies.

2. 2

   Eyes

   Observe the very small, almost rudimentary eyes, often barely visible or covered by skin, a key adaptation to its burrowing lifestyle.

3. 3

   Fins

   Note the continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, forming a single fin fold along the posterior body. The fused pelvic fins, though small, are also a diagnostic goby feature.

4. 4

   Skin

   The absence of scales and the smooth, often slimy skin are characteristic.

5. 5

   Habitat

   Its presence in muddy, estuarine, or tidal freshwater environments, often burrowing, is a strong indicator.

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