Sicyopus jonklaasi (Axelrod, 1972)
Lipstick goby
Sicyopus jonklaasi
photo by Ramani Shirantha

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Sicydiinae
Max. size:  4.5 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish; marine; pH range: 7; dH range: 5; depth range 0 - 2 m, amphidromous
Distribution:  Asia: originally known from a fast flowing stream in Atweltota, in the middle catchment of the Kalu River, Sri Lanka. Has since been collected from Sitawaka (Kelani basin) and Kuru River at Eratne (Kalu basin) and the Opatha River at Opatha (Nilwala basin).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Adults are found in rocky mid-hill streams with fast flowing water. They adhere to the sides of submerged rock through sucking discs. Occur usually in water 50-150 cm deep. Carnivore. Sudden, heavy rainfall with an accompanying drop in water temperature induces spawning, usually in a cavity excavated in sand in the shelter of a stone. Eggs hatch in the event of another heavy rainfall. Larvae are swept downriver to the sea, mature adults migrate upstream to spawning grounds. Possibly amphidromous (Ref. 26364).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 09 August 2019 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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