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Diadromous Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Northern mud gudgeon

Ophiocara porocephalum Valenciennes, 1837
Max Length
34 cm
Max Weight
Lifespan
Trophic Level
4.1
Depth
0–20 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Typical Length
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Adults occur in brackish estuaries, river mouths and freshwater creeks . Occurs mainly in the vegetation or under stones, roots or under leaf litter in the lower parts of rivers and ponds, from tidal influence to 15 m high in altitude, on sandy, muddy or gravel bottoms. A carnivorous fish which feeds on crustaceans, molluscs and fish .

Scientific Name
Ophiocara porocephalum
Authority
Valenciennes, 1837
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
34 cm
Depth Range
0–20 m
Trophic Level
4.1
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
23.00/100
Migration
Amphidromous
Water Temp
20–30 °C
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7. Head and body dark; 2nd dorsal and caudal spotted; juveniles with irregular crossbars .: fusiform / normal.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Northern mud gudgeon is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Northern mud gudgeon is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Northern mud gudgeon is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; amphidromous ; depth range 0 - 20 m . Tropical; 20°C - 30°C Indian Ocean.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Amphidromous
Trophic Level
4.1±0.7
Food Items

crustaceans, molluscs and fish (Ref

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00933 × L3.06 (TL)
Max TL
34cm
Dorsal Spines
7
Dorsal Rays
9
Anal Spines
1
Anal Rays
7

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
20–30°C
Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2024

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
23.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.1
Apex / Top predator
Body Shape
Fusiform / normal
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Valenciennes, 1837

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Ophiocara Porocephalum is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • 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
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for Northern mud gudgeon is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Northern mud gudgeon has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

👥 Community & Contribute

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