Banded Goby

Freshwater Fish of Australia
Part 3 of 5

Gobies (Gobiinae)
Gobiinae are a subfamily of the the largest saltwater family of fish, the Gobiidae. The smallest freshwater fish (Pandaka pygmaea - Pygmy Goby) as well as the smallest invertebrate (Trimmatom nanus - Dwarf Goby) are both from this family. Mudskippers are another well known member of the goby family. Most gobies in the aquarium trade are saltwater species, however there are a few notable freshwater species. Of the freshwater gobies, perhaps the best known species is the Desert Goby. Others include:
   Afurcagobius tamarensis (Tamar Goby)
   Chlamydogobius eremius (Desert Goby)
   Glossogobius bicirrhosus (Bearded Goby)
   Glossogobius giurus    (Flathead Goby)
   Pseudogobius sp. 9 (Blue-spot Goby)
   Redigobius bikolanus (Bug-eyed Goby)

Grunters (Terapontidae)
Closely resembling perches, some species of grunters make grunting noises when startled. The scientific name comes from the word Terapon - meaning fit for slaves. Because of their size and predatory nature, they are not often kept in aquariums. Many of the larger species are popular as food fish. Species that might be found in the aquarium trade include:
   Amniataba percoides (Banded or Black-striped Grunter)
   Hephaestus carbo (Coal Grunter)
   Leiopotherapon unicolor (Jeweled or Spangled Perch)
   Scortum barcoo (Barcco Grunter)

Gudgeons (Eleotridae)
Part of the same family as their cousins the gobies, there are literally hundreds of species of gudgeons. Many are colorful enough to make them candidates for the aquarium trade. The primary physical difference between Gudgeon and Gobies are the pelvic fins, which are separate rather than fused. Most prefer slightly brackish water, but readily adapt to a range of habitats. Those species include:
   Gobiomorphus australis (Striped Gudgeon)
   Hypseleotris compressa (Empire Gudgeon)
   Hypseleotris galii (Firetail Gudgeon)
   Hypseleotris sp. 2 (Midgley's carp gudgeon)
   Hypseleotris klunzingeri (Western Carp Gudgeon)
   Mogurnda adspersa (Purple-spotted Gudgeon)
   Mogurnda mogurnda (Purple Striped Gudgeon)
   Ophieleotris aporos (Snakehead Gudgeon)
   Philypnodon grandiceps (Flat-Headed Gudgeon)
   Tateurndina ocellicauda (Peacock Goby)