Fin's Fish Guide
The Danube gudgeon (Romanogobio uranoscopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Fresh water of the Danube basin in Central and South-Eastern Europe, in fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
Description
The Danube gudgeon is a small, slender gudgeon of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 10 cm. The elongate, brownish body bears a row of dark spots along the flank; its upward-directed eyes are conspicuous, to which the scientific name (uranoscopus, 'looking at the sky') refers. The inferior mouth has two very long barbels, with which the fish searches the bottom by touch. The species is strongly adapted to fast-flowing water and lives on gravel and stone bottoms of the upper and middle reaches of rivers in the Danube drainage of central and south-eastern Europe. In small groups it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In late spring it spawns on gravel. Through river works it has declined locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Danube gudgeon?
The Danube gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Slender little river gudgeon with upward-pointing eyes, an inferior mouth and two very long barbels; row of dark blotches on the flank.
Where does the Danube gudgeon live?
The Danube gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Danube basin in Central and South-Eastern Europe, in fast-flowing upper and middle reaches of rivers with gravel and stony bottoms.
How big does the Danube gudgeon get?
The Danube gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Danube gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Danube gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Danube gudgeon edible?
The Danube gudgeon is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Romanogobio
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Danube gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.