Graham's gudgeon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Graham's gudgeon
Drawing by Dr Tony Ayling
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Gobiiformes
Family:	Thalasseleotrididae
Genus:	Grahamichthys Whitley, 1956
Species:	G. radiata
Binomial name
Grahamichthys radiata (Valenciennes, 1837)
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Synonyms
Eleotris radiata Valenciennes 1837

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The Graham's gudgeon (scientific name: Grahamichthys radiata) is a special type of fish. It belongs to the goby group, which are usually small, bottom-dwelling fish. This gudgeon is the only known species in its genus called Grahamichthys.

Where Graham's Gudgeon Lives

This interesting fish can be found in rock pools along the coast. It also lives in the neritic zone, which is the part of the ocean over the continental shelf. This area is usually not too deep, going down to about 50 meters (164 feet).

Graham's gudgeon prefers places where sand or mud covers rocks, shells, or other objects on the seafloor. This helps them find shelter and food.

Unique Schooling Behavior

Most gobies like to live alone or in small groups. However, Graham's gudgeon is different! It often swims in loose schools, which means many of them gather together. This is quite unusual for a goby species.

What's in a Name?

The name Grahamichthys has a cool story behind it. The first part, "Graham," honors David H. Graham. He was a famous writer who published a book in 1953 called A Treasury of New Zealand Fishes.

The second part of the name, "ichthys," comes from the Greek language. It simply means "fish." So, the name Grahamichthys is a way to say "Graham's fish." This also tells us that this fish is native to New Zealand.