Oxyeleotris selheimi (Macleay, 1884)
Giant gudgeon
photo by Aland, G.

Family:  Butidae (Gudgeon gobies)
Max. size:  55 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Oceania: northern Australia from the Adcock River, WA to the vicinity of Cooktown, Qld
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 7-7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 8-9. Mid-lateral scales 62-65; horizontal scales rows 19-20; predorsal scales 40-48. Generally dark brown dorsally, lighter below with a series of close-set, narrow dark brown stripes on sides. Median and pelvic fins with small dark spots. Pectoral fins with rows of dark spots forming transverse bands. Juveniles often whitish grey dorsally with a narrow white stripe (or irregular white blotches) along mid-line. Similar to O. lineolata but has spotted anal, pelvic, and pectoral fins (Ref. 44894).
Biology:  Inhabits rivers, creeks and billabongs, usually in quiet o slowly flowing water among vegetation, around log debris or undercut banks. A nocturnal carnivore, feeds on fishes, crustaceans, and aquatic insects (Ref. 44894).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 14 February 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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