Fin's Fish Guide
The Bichique (Sicyopterus lagocephalus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 13 cm.
Indo-Pacific; fast-flowing clear rainforest streams, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
Description
The red-tailed goby is a goby of the family Gobiidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 13 cm and has an elongate body; males can show a red tail and bright courtship colours. Adults inhabit fast-flowing sections of clear rainforest streams over rocky bottoms. It is an amphidromous species: after hatching the larvae wash to sea and the young fish later return and climb up waterfalls using their fused, sucker-like pelvic fins. With its rasping, downward-facing mouth it grazes algae from stones. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bichique?
The Bichique has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Amphidromous: climbs waterfalls with a ventral sucker; rasps algae from stones.
Where does the Bichique live?
The Bichique lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; fast-flowing clear rainforest streams, amphidromous with a marine larval phase.
How big does the Bichique get?
The Bichique grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.
Is the Bichique dangerous to humans?
No, the Bichique is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bichique edible?
The Bichique is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Sicyopterus
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Bichique?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bichique is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone