Hypseleotris galii
Description
Firetail gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii) are a small native freshwater fish distributed along the east coast from Central Queensland south to Sydney NSW. They inhabit slow moving water such as ponds, freshwater creeks, swamps and natural drains, typically around vegetation.
The males in this species grow to about 5.5cm and females to 4cm. The name is derived from the behaviour of the male fish which develop an intense red/orange tail in breeding season to intimidate other male fish and attract female fish.
Female gudgeon lay their eggs underneath rocks and leaves and the males then guard the eggs from predation. While on guard duty the male will also fan the eggs with their fins to oxygenate them. The eggs hatch very quickly approximately 3-5 days after being laid by the female.
Adaptations
- Colour changes to blend into habitat
- Feeds mostly on small invertebrates
- Females lay 5-8 batches of 200-440 eggs under stones, leaves or shells
- Produce young by laying eggs (oviparous), spawning from October to January
- High tolerance to poor water quality
- Mass migration can occur upstream during minor flood events
Interesting facts
The species is thought to have been introduced to the region, and was also introduced to Boigu Island in the Torres Strait.