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

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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

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  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.). "Gobiomorphus gobioides". 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.