Smalleye Gudgeon, Prionobutis microps (Weber, 1908)

Scientific name: Prionobutis microps
Alternative name/s:
Small Eyed Sleeper
Prionobutis microps Click to enlarge image
A Small-eyed Sleeper caught in the tidal section of Rapid Creek, Northern Territory. The image was taken in an aquarium at the Territory Wildlife Park. Image: D. Wilson
© D. Wilson

Fast Facts

  • Classification
    Genus
    Prionobutis
    Species
    microps
    Family
    Eleotridae
    Order
    Perciformes
    Class
    Actinopterygii
    Subphylum
    Vertebrata
    Phylum
    Chordata
    Kingdom
    Animalia
  • Size Range
    The species grows to 23 cm in length.

Introduction

The Smalleye Gudgeon has a small flattened head and a cylindrical body. It occurs in brackish mangroves, tidal creeks and freshwaters of the Indo-West Pacific.

Identification

The Smalleye Gudgeon has a small flattened head and a cylindrical body. It is grey to brown with white markings on the sides. There are about five dark brown to grey lines radiating from the eye. The pectoral fins and median fins have dark bands.

Habitat

The species occurs in brackish mangroves, tidal creeks and freshwaters.

Distribution

The species can be found in the Indo-West Pacific. In Australia it is known from north-western Western Australia around the tropical north and south to southern Queensland.

The map below shows the Australian distribution of the species based on public sightings and specimens in Australian Museums. Click on the map for detailed information. Source: Atlas of Living Australia.

References

  1. Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. & M. Allen. 2002. Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. Western Australian Museum. Pp. 394.
  2. Hoese, D.F., Bray, D.J., Paxton, J.R. & G.R. Allen. 2006. Fishes. In Beesley, P.L. & A. Wells. (eds) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Volume 35. ABRS & CSIRO Publishing: Australia. parts 1-3, pages 1-2178.