Fin's Fish Guide
The European mudminnow (Umbra krameri) is a freshwater fish of the family Umbridae that grows up to 17 cm.
Fresh water of the Danube and Dniester basins in Central and South-Eastern Europe, in slow-flowing, densely vegetated swamps, shallow lakes, ditches and side channels.
Description
The European mudminnow is a small, stocky marsh fish of the family Umbridae reaching about 17 cm. The brown-mottled body has a rounded tail and often a paler lengthwise stripe. A special adaptation is that the species can gulp air with its swim bladder and take up oxygen, allowing it to survive even in warm, muddy and oxygen-poor water where few other fish persist. It lives in slow-flowing, densely vegetated marshes, pools, ditches and side-channels of the Danube and Dniester drainages in central and south-eastern Europe. Among the plants it hunts insect larvae, small crustaceans, worms and molluscs. In spring the female guards a nest pit with the eggs and young. Through drainage of marshes it has declined sharply and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European mudminnow?
The European mudminnow has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small stocky swamp fish with a rounded tail and a pale longitudinal stripe; can gulp air with its swim bladder and so survive oxygen-poor water.
Where does the European mudminnow live?
The European mudminnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Danube and Dniester basins in Central and South-Eastern Europe, in slow-flowing, densely vegetated swamps, shallow lakes, ditches and side channels.
How big does the European mudminnow get?
The European mudminnow grows to a maximum of about 17 cm. On average the species is around 5 cm.
Is the European mudminnow dangerous to humans?
No, the European mudminnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the European mudminnow edible?
The European mudminnow is not usually eaten.
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All data
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Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Umbra
More from the family Umbridae
Want the complete picture on the European mudminnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European mudminnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.