The flathead gudgeon (''Philypnodon grandiceps'') is a species of fish in the family

Eleotridae Eleotridae is a family of fish commonly known as sleeper gobies, with about 34 genera and 180 species. Most species are found in the tropical Indo-Pacific region, but there are also species in subtropical and temperate regions, warmer parts of th ...

endemic Endemism is the state of a species being found in a single defined geographic location, such as an island, state, nation, country or other defined zone; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found else ...

to eastern Australia.

Taxonomy

Gerard Krefft described the flathead gudgeon in 1864 as ''Eleotris grandiceps'', recording it from the Upper

Hawkesbury River The Hawkesbury River, or Hawkesbury-Nepean River, is a river located northwest of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The Hawkesbury River and its associated main tributary, the Nepean River, almost encircle the metropolitan region of Sydney. ...

and its tributaries, and freshwater

lagoon A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a narrow landform, such as reefs, barrier islands, barrier peninsulas, or isthmuses. Lagoons are commonly divided into ''coastal lagoons'' (or ''barrier lagoons'') ...

s near Richmond, Eastern Creek, and Bronte. Alternate names include big-headed gudgeon, bull head, bull-headed gudgeon, collundera, and Yarra gudgeon.

Description

The flathead gudgeon generally grows to about 8 cm (3.2 in) in length, though large individuals up to 11 or 12 cm (4.5 in) have been recorded. It has a large, flattened head and large mouth, which extends back past the eyes, and two short dorsal fins. The upperparts can be various shades of grey, brown, black, or yellowish, with yellowish underparts. The flathead gudgeon can be distinguished from the dwarf flathead gudgeon ('' Philypnodon macrostomus'') by barred lines on its flanks, larger size (the latter species only reaching 5 cm (2 in) long), and wide gill openings.

Distribution and habitat

The flathead gudgeon is found in estuaries and freshwater rivers from just north of the Fitzroy River in central

Queensland ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , establishe ...

through

New South Wales ) , nickname = , image_map = New South Wales in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of New South Wales in AustraliaCoordinates: , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , es ...

and

Victoria Victoria most commonly refers to: * Victoria (Australia), a state of the Commonwealth of Australia * Victoria, British Columbia, provincial capital of British Columbia, Canada * Victoria (mythology), Roman goddess of Victory * Victoria, Seychelle ...

to the Gawler River in South Australia, as well as some parts of northern Tasmania.

Feeding

Carnivorous, the flathead gudgeon preys upon small fish, tadpoles, and aquatic arthropods. It, in turn, has been recorded as prey of the yellow-billed spoonbill.

Breeding

The female lays 500–1000 elongated eggs on a hard surface in spring, which are watched over afterwards by the male.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q6428359 Eleotridae Taxa named by Gerard Krefft