Marbled Sand Goby. (Oxyeleotris marmorata). Max length 90cm
Predatory.
The largest gobioid fish, this species may reach 35.4 in (90 cm) total length.The Marbled Sand Goby has a torpedo-like body shape with flattened head. This armoured carnivorous fish has an oblique, terminal mouth with two dorsal fins and rounded caudal fin. The Marbled Sand Goby has a brown body with dark mottling giving a marbled camouflaged appearance.
These carnivorous members of the Eleotridae – Sleepers family of fishes are widely distributed throughout the Asian subcontinent and Southeast Asia in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and western Borneo. Also reported from Luzon (Philippines), and introduced into Taiwan for aquaculture. The Marbled Sand Goby is a nocturnal hunter that prowls slow-moving streams, lakes, and swamps. During the daytime it rests at the bottom, taking cover among rocks, woody debris, or vegetation. This may be the typical behavior for most sleepers, hence the common name.
The Marbled Sand Goby primarily eats small fishes, but also takes crustaceans, insects, and mollusks. Larval fish in culture ponds feed on cladocerans, rotifers, chironomids, and brachiopods.
Marbled Sand Goby are highly prized food fish throughout Asia and may be declining in some parts of its native range due to overharvesting.
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