Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
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Order : Perciformes
Family : ELEOTRIDAE
Species : Oxyeleotris marmorata
Maximum Length : over 50 cm
The Marbled Gudgeon, or
Marble Goby, is a
large, solitary, slow-moving fish which rests undisturbed on the bottom of
quiet streams, canals, lakes and brackish river estuaries. It rarely moves, even when disturbed. It
preys on other fish, which are oblivious to its presence.
It is best identified in
the field by the large head, the symmetrical patterning on the dorsal
surface and by the rounded, outstretched pectoral fins.
Know to millions of
Southeast Asians as 'Soon Hock', it is considered good eating and is to be
found in the live tanks of Chinese restaurants.
The Marbled Gudgeon occurs in
many parts of Southeast Asia including Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia,
Singapore and Indonesia.
Fig 1 : A 20 cm specimen is well camouflaged at the bottom of a shallow stream,
Singapore.
Fig 2 : 15 cm specimen in a brackish stream inlet, Pulau Sugi, Riau Archipelago,
Indonesia.
Fig 3 : A full grown, 50 cm specimen
in a quiet backwater of one of Singapore's inland reservoirs.
Fig 4 : Close-up showing the upward-turned mouth and small eyes.
References : F1
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