Fin's Fish Guide
The Acheron spring goby (Knipowitschia milleri) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae that grows up to 3 cm.
Endemic to a few clear, constant springs and spring streams of the Acheron river basin in western Greece, with a total range of only a few dozen square kilometres.
Description
The Acheron spring goby is a minuscule goby of the family Gobiidae reaching about 2.6 cm, among the smallest fish in Europe. The light-brown body bears a few dark cross-bars; like other gobies the pelvic fins are fused into a sucking disc. The species is endemic to a few clear, constant springs and spring-streams of the Acheron in western Greece, with an extremely small range of only a few tens of square kilometres. Among the water plants it searches for very small zooplankton and small invertebrates. The male guards the eggs laid among plants. Because of its minuscule range it is highly sensitive to water abstraction and degradation of the springs, and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Acheron spring goby?
The Acheron spring goby has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern. One of the smallest fishes in Europe; a minute dwarf goby with a few narrow dark vertical bars, confined to a few Greek springs.
Where does the Acheron spring goby live?
The Acheron spring goby lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Endemic to a few clear, constant springs and spring streams of the Acheron river basin in western Greece, with a total range of only a few dozen square kilometres.
How big does the Acheron spring goby get?
The Acheron spring goby grows to a maximum of about 3 cm.
Is the Acheron spring goby dangerous to humans?
No, the Acheron spring goby is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Acheron spring goby edible?
The Acheron spring goby is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Knipowitschia
More from the family Gobiidae
Want the complete picture on the Acheron spring goby?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Acheron spring goby is one of 12,519 species in the app.