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