Mogurnda sp.
Frew mogurnda

ELEOTRIDAE, Gudgeons or sleepers



Taxonomy

The taxonomy of Australian mogurndas was recently briefly reviewed by Allen & Jenkins (1999). Genetic evidence suggests that there are several more species present than presently recognised.

Size

To around 150mm (6in) TL.

Conservation Status

Not listed. However, if it proves to be a different species it could be listed as Restricted.

Distribution & Abundance

The Frew mogurnda is presently only known from two isolated rivers, the Frew River and Wistleduck Creek, in a small portion of the Barkley Drainage in the Northern Territory. It is probably common, though not abundant.

Habitat & Ecology

Frew mogurnda occur in small permanent and semi-permanent waterholes in small and medium sized rivers. They are probably ambush predators.

Reproduction

Spawning for all Australian Mogurnda spp. is basically the same. In nature, they probably spawn throughout the warmer months of the year. In aquaria, they spawn at temperatures over 20°C (68°F). Females lay between 200-800 eggs, usually on the underside of a hard object. The male guards the eggs until fry hatch in seven days. Spawnings are generally repeated, as long as temperature is maintained above 20°C (68°F) (Young 1987; Hanson 1988). Fry are around 5mm (0.2in) long and they will eat newly hatched brine shrimp as a first food. There is no further parental care after hatching. They also have several sexually dimorphic characters, although the differences are subtle. The genus Mogurnda is one of the few for which life history information is available based upon central Australian individuals.

Threats

None specifically other than their restricted range.

Conservation Action

None.

Conservation Recommendations

Undertake basic taxonomic, biological, and ecological studies.

Important References

Allen, G.R. & Jenkins, A.P. 1999. A review of the Australian freshwater gudgeons, genus Mogurnda (Eleotridae) with descriptions of three new species. Aqua, Journal of Ichthyology and Aquatic Biology. 3(4): 141-156.

Hansen, B. 1988. The purple-spotted gudgeon, Mogurnda adspersa. Fishes of Sahul. 5(1): 200-202. (Journal of the Australian New Guinea Fishes Association, Australia).

Young, M. 1987. A tank breeding of Mogurnda mogurnda. Fishes of Sahul. 4(3): 174-177. (Journal of the Australian New Guinea Fishes Association, Australia).


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This file was last modified:  18 March 2003