About Gobiomorphus australis (Krefft, 1864)
Gobiomorphus australis, commonly known as the striped gudgeon, is a fish species belonging to the family Eleotridae. It is native to eastern Australia. This species occupies a wide variety of aquatic habitats, ranging from clear fast-flowing streams to muddy still waters including ponds and waterholes. Juvenile striped gudgeons are commonly found in estuaries, near rocks, submerged logs, and within aquatic vegetation. They are skilled climbers, capable of moving over wet rocky surfaces such as rapids and waterfalls. Gobiomorphus australis is a carnivorous fish that preys on a wide range of organisms, including aquatic insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. This species spawns in late austral summer, when water temperatures reach 21°C. The eggs are laid as a single uniform, compact layer on solid surfaces such as rocks and logs, or other similar solid substrates. The male guards the eggs and fans water over the nest continuously until the larvae hatch, which occurs around four days after egg-laying. Once hatched, the larvae are free-swimming and are carried downstream by currents into estuaries.
