Fin's Fish Guide
The Gudgeon (Gobio gobio) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 21 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe and parts of North Asia, in flowing rivers and clear lakes.
Description
The gudgeon is a small, slender freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 20 cm but usually smaller. The elongate, brownish body bears a row of dark blotches along the lateral line and one pair of short barbels at the corners of the mouth, with which the fish searches for food by touch. The downturned mouth is adapted to foraging on the bottom. The species lives in schools on sand and gravel bottoms of flowing rivers and clear lakes in Europe and parts of northern Asia and is regarded as an indicator of clean water. It eats small bottom animals such as insect larvae, crustaceans and worms. In spring it spawns in shallow, flowing water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Gudgeon?
The Gudgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, slender bottom-dwelling fish with one pair of barbels in the corners of the mouth and a row of dark blotches along the flank.
Where does the Gudgeon live?
The Gudgeon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe and parts of North Asia, in flowing rivers and clear lakes.
How big does the Gudgeon get?
The Gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 21 cm. On average the species is around 12 cm.
Is the Gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Gudgeon edible?
The Gudgeon is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Gudgeon and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gobio
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.