Blue gudgeon (Ptereleotris microlepis)

Scientific name: Ptereleotris microlepis Bleeker, 1856

The Blue gudgeon (Ptereleotris microlepis) is a marine fish of the family Ptereleotridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–27°C (72–81°F). Native range: Indo-Pacific, Red Sea to the Line and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.

Blue gudgeon care at a glance

Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 25-29; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 24 - 27; Vertebrae: 26 - 27. Pale to bluish gray in color; pectoral fin base with a narrow, pale blue-edged, black band; postorbital head with irregular, pale to iridescent blue bands and spots. Chin with a median, fleshy protuberance narrowing to a thin fold. Scales embedded, close-set, non imbricate (except on posterior part). 1st dorsal fin lower than 2nd; 2nd dorsal and anal fins elevated anteriorly. Closely resembles P. heteropterus but lacks the blue mark on the tail.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ptereleotris microlepis
Family: Ptereleotridae (Dartfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 13.0
Depth range: 1–50 m (3–164 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 1 - 50 m, usually 1 - 10 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Indo-Pacific: Red Sea to the Line and Tuamoto islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands, south to the southern Great Barrier Reef.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial