Upland bully

Taxobox
name = Upland bully
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Perciformes
familia = Eleotridae
genus = "Gobiomorphus"
species = "G. breviceps"
binomial = "Gobiomorphus breviceps"
binomial_authority = (Stokell, 1939)

The upland bully, "Gobiomorphus breviceps", is a sleeper of the genus "Gobiomorphus", found in most rivers and lakes in the South Island and the southern half of the North Island of New Zealand, being recorded for the first time on Stewart Island in 1998. Their length is up to 8 cm.

The upland bully is one of the non-diadromous members of the Eleotridae family, living their whole lives in fresh water. Adult male upland bullies have orange spots on their cheeks and head, and the outer edge of the dorsal fin is also orange. Immature fish and females are less easy to identify.

Upland bullies were recorded for the first time on Stewart Island in 1998.

Because upland bullies do not have to go to sea as part of their life cycle, they occur well inland in many river systems, but are also found close to the coast. They will tolerate a variety of habitats, from stony-bedded rivers to weedy streams.

Like all the bully species, the males establish and defend territories during the breeding season. This accounts for their more dramatic colouration compared to the females. The eggs are laid in a primitive nest, which is usually the underside of a large rock or log. After the eggs are laid, the male guards the nest from intruders and fans the eggs to keep them oxygenated. There is no parental care after hatching.

References

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* [http://www.niwascience.co.nz/rc/freshwater/fishatlas/species/common_bully NIWA June 2006]