Empire gudgeon
📖 Overview
Adults inhabit lower reaches of rivers (also found further upstream) in flowing or still water among aquatic vegetation or branches of submerged trees. Juveniles often occur in swiftly flowing water or brackish estuaries. Tolerant of salinity levels equal to sea water, temperatures up to 35°C and pH 5.0-9.1 . Feed on micro-crustaceans, mosquito larvae and algae. Spawning occurs during the warmer months, when males establish breeding territories and display their dazzling colours to attract a mate. The eggs adhere to rocks, sand or weeds and are guarded and fanned by the male until hatching, which occurs in 10-14 hours . Smallest vertebrate eggs with max 0.32 mm length. Hatching larvae are about 1mm long.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 10 - 12. : fusiform / normal.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Empire gudgeon is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Empire gudgeon is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
The male sets up a territory on the bottom and entices the female to deposit up to 3,000 eggs on rocks, logs or plants. Male guards the nest throughout the incubation period of 10-14 hours .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; potamodromous . Tropical; 10°C - 30°C ; 7°S - 19°S central New Guinea.
🌿 Ecology
micro-crustaceans, mosquito larvae and algae
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Empire gudgeon is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Empire gudgeon is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Empire gudgeon has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eleotris compressus | Krefft | 1864 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 10 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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