Glossogobius giurus (Hamilton 1822)
flathead goby

GOBIIDAE, Gobies


Size

To at least 200mm (8in) TL in central Australia.

Conservation Status

Not listed.

Distribution & Abundance

In Central Australia, they are only found in the Georgina River where they appear to be common. It has a very wide distribution throughout northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.

Habitat & Ecology

They occur in waterholes in large rivers and their major tributaries. Reported to be a visual ambush predator (Merrick & Schmida 1984), which would be difficult in central Australia due to high turbidities.

Reproduction

The flathead goby apparently has a marine larval stage (Allen 1989), although this would be difficult in Central Australia as no drainage goes to the sea. It is quite possible that this population, which has not been studied, is one of the only populations that does not have access to the sea. Very little known of its biology in Australia in general.

Threats

None specifically.

Conservation Action

Not relevant.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake studies into the biology and ecology of central Australian populations.

Important References

Allen, G. R. 1989. Freshwater fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications, New Jersey. 240pp.

Merrick, J. R. & Schmida, G. E. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes: Biology and Management. Griffith Press Ltd. 409pp.

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The Australian desert fishes pages are compiled and maintained by Peter J. Unmack
Many thanks to Karen Randall for her excellent drawing of a desert goby that is
the background to these pages. Please don't reuse this image without her permission.

This file was last modified:  18 March 2003