Fin's Fish Guide
The Chinese lake gudgeon (Sarcocheilichthys sinensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Chinese lake gudgeon is a cyprinid bottom fish of the family Cyprinidae from East Asia, occurring in China and adjacent areas. The species reaches about 30 cm and has a stocky body with thick, fleshy lips and an inferior mouth. It inhabits rivers and lakes with a soft bottom and searches there for bottom invertebrates, algae and detritus. In the breeding season the males colour vividly; remarkably, the female deposits her eggs with an ovipositor into the gill cavity of freshwater mussels, where the young grow up protected. The species is caught locally as a food fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Chinese lake gudgeon?
The Chinese lake gudgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Thick lips; males colour brightly at spawning time; the eggs are deposited in freshwater mussels.
Where does the Chinese lake gudgeon live?
The Chinese lake gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia, in China and adjacent areas.
How big does the Chinese lake gudgeon get?
The Chinese lake gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Chinese lake gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Chinese lake gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Chinese lake gudgeon edible?
Yes, the Chinese lake gudgeon is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Sarcocheilichthys
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Chinese lake gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Chinese lake gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.