| Family: |
Butidae (Gudgeon gobies) |
| Max. size: |
5.8 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; pH range: 5.5 - 6 |
| Distribution: |
Africa: many West African basins, from Guinea (Ref. 57413, 81660) to Congo (Ref. 81660) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (Ref. 57413), including basins of Niger, Lake Volta (Ref. 57413), Chad (Ref. 57413, 81660) and Congo (Ref. 41590, 106290). Also in Nile basin (Ref. 28714, 81660). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 6-8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 6-8. Diagnosis: predorsal scales always absent; 27-31 (rarely 32) scales in longitudinal series (including scales on caudal fin base); 9-11 scales in rearward transverse series; 15-17 (rarely 14) pectoral-fin rays (Ref. 57413, 81660).
Description: ctenoid scales on flanks; 1st dorsal fin: V or VI (perhaps VII); 2nd dorsal fin: I,8-10; anal fin: I,6-8; pectoral fins: 15-17 (rarely 14); caudal fin rounded with 14-16 segmented rays, 11-13 of which are branched; 5-6 prearticular neuromast rows on ventral part of head, running transversely from lower jaw towards gular region (Ref. 57413, 81660).
Coloration: generally brownish, darker dorsally; head dark, with some vertical dark bands below eye; operculum with dark, vertical band and sometimes a dark patch on posterodorsal margin; pale patch may be present just posterior to operculum and above base of pectoral fin; flanks with 7-8 more or less distinct, dark, vertical bands; distinct vertical band at base of caudal fin; 1st dorsal fin more or less pigmented, with black dots forming 2 longitudinal bands, and posterior part of fin base dark; 2nd dorsal and anal fins often well pigmented, with 1-4 longitudinal bands and anterior, as well as posterior parts of fin bases dark; distal margin of dorsal fins light; pectoral and pelvic fins speckled, pectorals sometimes with a dark patch on dorsal and ventral margins (Ref. 57413, 81660). |
| Biology: |
Maximum standard length reported 49 mm (Ref. 81660). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 May 2019 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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