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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

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 📦 Batch Spawner
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 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
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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