Butis Amboinensis

Datasheet

General Description:The Olive Flathead Gudgeon, scientifically known as Butis Amboinensis, belongs to the family Eleotridae within the order Perciformes. This species is distinguishable from congeners by its unique characteristics, such as the absence of enlarged outermost row of teeth and unscaled interorbital space and cheek below the eye. Olive Flathead Gudgeons are nocturnal ambush predators with cryptic patterning, capable of adjusting their body coloration and swimming upside-down. They are often found camouflaging near solid surfaces in various orientations.

Aquarium Setup:For optimal care, the Olive Flathead Gudgeon thrives in brackish water environments with a minimum tank size of 90 litres. While specific gravity is not critical, it should not exceed that of seawater (1.025). Decorate the tank with driftwood, rocks, and dim lighting to mimic its natural habitat in estuaries and mangroves. Avoid bright lighting and consider sand substrate to prevent accidental ingestion of gravel during feeding. Although most aquatic plants struggle in brackish conditions, plastic alternatives and dried leaf litter can be incorporated.

Behaviour:These gudgeons exhibit territorial behavior, often reacting aggressively towards similar species and preying on smaller fish and invertebrates. They are unsociable with conspecifics and are best kept as solitary specimens. Suitable tankmates include non-territorial brackish species, such as Monodactylus or Toxotes, which are large enough to evade predation.

Feeding and Diet:As ambush predators, Olive Flathead Gudgeons primarily feed on smaller fish, worms, and crustaceans in the wild. In captivity, they readily accept prepared foods like prawns, mussels, and chironomid larvae. Avoid feeding mammalian/avian meats and live feeder fish, as these pose health risks and lack nutritional value. A varied diet including frozen or live foods like Artemia and Mysis is recommended for their well-being.

Reproduction & Dimorphism:Due to limited captive breeding, information on their reproduction and sexual dimorphism remains scarce. However, in their natural habitat, Olive Flathead Gudgeons likely follow a marine reproductive cycle while residing in freshwater as adults. The distinct differences in appearance between males and females are currently undocumented.

Habitat and Distribution:Originally described from Ambon Island in Indonesia, the Olive Flathead Gudgeon is widely distributed across the eastern Indian Ocean to the West Central Pacific. They inhabit coastal brackish environments like estuaries, lagoons, and mangroves, with a preference for areas with submerged vegetation and woody structures. These gudgeons may also venture into tidal freshwater rivers, gravitating towards mud or sand substrates.