Goby

Sicyopus discordipinnis

Quick Facts

Scientific name Sicyopus discordipinnis

Other names Papuan Sicyopus

Size Up to 3 cm (1.18 in)

Weight A few grams

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Freshwater creeks & streams in fast moving waters over gravel, pebbles and the bottom of boulders

Depth Range 0 - 5 m (33 ft)

Interesting Info

The Papuan Sicyopus (goby), is a freshwater goby generally found in streams and rivers in Papua New Guinea. Although it has been identified in part of far north Queensland.
The species has a mottled brown or olive colour with darker spots covering its body and fins.
It is primarily feeds on algae and small invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans.
They are social and can often be found in schools, particularly in areas with dense vegetation.
They are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, including temperature fluctuations and low oxygen levels.
The species has a unique breeding behaviour, with males constructing and guarding nests made of sand and gravel. Females will deposit their eggs in the nests, and males will defend the eggs and newly hatched fry from predators.
Their lifespan is estimated to be around 2-3 years in the wild.

Species Interaction

Aquarium & Recreational Fishing

The Papuan Sicyopus (goby) is not a commonly kept aquarium species but can be kept by experienced hobbyists with appropriate conditions. They are also not a highly targeted recreational fish to catch, but are sometimes caught by anglers.

Species
Sustainability

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Gobiiformes

Family: Gobiidae

Genus: Sicyopus discordipinnis

Species: Sicyopus discordipinnis

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the Papuan Sicyopus is currently assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the species is not considered to be facing a significant risk of extinction in the near future.