Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese false gudgeon (Abbottina rivularis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 19 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in slow water of rivers, lakes, ponds and ditches with soft bottoms; introduced elsewhere.
Description
The Chinese false gudgeon is a small, stocky bottom-living cyprinid of the family Gobionidae reaching about 19 cm but usually smaller. Despite its name it is not a true goby: the brown, marbled body has an inferior mouth with a barbel at the corner of the mouth and separate pelvic fins (no sucker). The species comes from East Asia and lives in slow water of rivers, lakes, ponds and ditches with soft bottoms. On the bottom it searches for insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and detritus. In spring the male makes a nest pit and guards the eggs. It sometimes hitchhikes with fish stockings and can then establish itself outside its native range.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese false gudgeon?
The Chinese false gudgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, stocky bottom-dwelling fish with an inferior mouth and a barbel; brown marbled, well camouflaged on soft bottoms.
Where does the Chinese false gudgeon live?
The Chinese false gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), in slow water of rivers, lakes, ponds and ditches with soft bottoms; introduced elsewhere.
How big does the Chinese false gudgeon get?
The Chinese false gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Chinese false gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese false gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese false gudgeon edible?
The Chinese false gudgeon is rarely eaten.
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Same genus Abbottina
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese false gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese false gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.