| SOURCE FOR OCCURRENCE IN ECUADOR: This species is common in rivers of Guayas and Manabi provinces. There are many references for its occurrence in the area (e.g., Eigenmann, 1922; Ovchynnyk, 1971; Laaz et al., 2009; Laaz & Torres, 2010). |
| ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: Steindachner, F. 1880. Zur Fisch-Fauna des Cauca und der Flüsse bei Guayaquil. Denkschriften der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Classe der Kaiserlichen Akademie der Wissenschaften in Wien 42:55-104, Pls. 1-9. |
| TYPE SPECIMENS: |
| TAXONOMIC STATUS: Valid (Eschmeyer and Fricke, 2011). |
| RANGE ECUADOR: Rivers in Guayas and Manabi provinces (Ovchynnyk, 1971). |
| RANGE OUTSIDE OF ECUADOR: Pacific coast from southern Mexico to Peru (Eschmeyer, 2011). |
| COLLECTIONS IN ECUADOR: |
| MAXIMUM SIZE: 58 cm (Eigenmann, 1922). |
| DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: Gobioides peruanus is distinguished from other species occurring in Western Ecuador by having an anguiliform body, a large head, a wide, terminal mouth, an upwardly projected lower mandible, conical sharp teeth, ventrally fused pelvic fins forming a disc (typical of gobiids), long dorsal and anal fins with spines, and a dark violet color in life (Laaz et al, 2009). |
| ECOLOGY: Gobioides peruanus is known in Ecuador as the “anguila or dragon”. It is a large, ecologically important carnivorous fish that feeds on small crustaceans. It is a benthic species that inhabits rivers with marine influences and muddy or sandy bottoms. When captured, this species produces mucus that make it very difficult to hold. This may be an adaptation against predators (Laaz et al, 2009). |
| ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE: This species is used as a food fish by people in rural parts of western Ecuador. It is also used as an ornamental species although there is not much information on its exploitation (Laaz et al, 2009). |
| CONSERVATION STATUS: NA, although the species is exploited as a food fish and ornamental. |
| LINK TO FISHBASE PAGE: Click here for link |
| SPECIES PROFILE CREATED BY: Enrique Laaz |
| SPECIES PROFILE CONTRIBUTORS: NA |
