Giant bully

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
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Naturally Uncommon (NZ TCS)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Gobiiformes
Family:	Eleotridae
Genus:	Gobiomorphus
Species:	G. gobioides
Binomial name
Gobiomorphus gobioides (Valenciennes, 1837)
Approximate known distribution (in orange) of the giant bully on a map of New Zealand
Synonyms
Eleotris gobioides Valenciennes, 1837

Description

Giant bully by Frank E. Clarke, 1870

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]

Distribution and habitat

The species is endemic to New Zealand, where it is widespread throughout the country in the coastal lower ends of rivers and estuarine habitats.^[6]

Conservation status

Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Naturally Uncommon" with the qualifiers of "Data Poor" and "Range Restricted".^[7]