The giant bully (Gobiomorphus gobioides), tītarakura, or tīpokopoko (Māori), is a species of fish in the family Eleotridae endemic to New Zealand.[2][3][4]

Giant bully
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Gobiiformes
Family: Eleotridae
Genus: Gobiomorphus
Species:
G. gobioides
Binomial name
Gobiomorphus gobioides
(Valenciennes, 1837)
Synonyms
  • Eleotris gobioides Valenciennes, 1837

Description edit

This is the largest species of bully and it can reach more than 25 cm (10 in) in length, but most are 12–15 cm (4.7–5.9 in).[1][5] Adults are generally found near the coast in freshwater, tidal or estuarine habitats.[1][5] The breeding behavior is poorly known, but the species is considered diadromous and it is suspected that the larvae spend time in the sea.[1][5]

It is very similar to the common bully (which can reach up to 15 cm or 5.9 in), but it has six dorsal spines, where the common bully usually has seven.[5]

 
Giant bully by Frank E. Clarke, 1870

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Ling, N.; West, D.; Closs, G.; Franklin, P.; Allibone, R.; Crow, S.; David, B. (2014). "Gobiomorphus gobioides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T197320A2482119. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-3.RLTS.T197320A2482119.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.) (2013). "Gobiomorphus gobioides" in FishBase. April 2013 version.
  3. ^ "tīpokopoko – Māori Dictionary". maoridictionary.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  4. ^ "tītarakura – Māori Dictionary". maoridictionary.co.nz. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  5. ^ a b c d "Giant Bully". NIWA Fish Atlas. Retrieved 16 February 2017.