Fin's Fish Guide
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon (Aulopyge huegelii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Endemic to the Dinaric karst of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in karst rivers, springs and sinkhole lakes that partly dry up or disappear underground.
Description
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon is a striking cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 20 cm and the only member of its genus. The body is largely scaleless; the inferior mouth carries barbels as in a barbel, and the first dorsal-fin ray is ossified into a short, serrated spine. The species is endemic to the Dinaric karst of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a landscape of karst rivers, springs and sinking lakes that partly dry up or disappear underground; in drought it retreats into springs and cave water. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for insect larvae, crustaceans, worms and algae. Because of its limited, vulnerable karst habitat it is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon?
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Sparsely scaled cyprinid with an inferior mouth, barbels and a short, spiny first dorsal fin ray; an endemic of the Dinaric karst.
Where does the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon live?
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Endemic to the Dinaric karst of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in karst rivers, springs and sinkhole lakes that partly dry up or disappear underground.
How big does the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon get?
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Dalmatian barbelgudgeon edible?
The Dalmatian barbelgudgeon is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
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More from the family Cyprinidae
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