Fin's Fish Guide
The Pike gudgeon (Pseudogobio esocinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 29 cm.
East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), on sandy and gravel bottoms of clear rivers and streams.
Description
The pike gudgeon is an elongate bottom fish of the family Gobionidae (true gudgeons) reaching about 29 cm. The brown, spotted body has a flat belly, a pointed head and an inferior, sucker-like mouth with a pair of barbels, with which the fish sifts prey from sand and mud; its camouflage makes it hard to see on the bottom. The species comes from East Asia and lives on sand and gravel bottoms of clear rivers and streams. On the bottom it searches for insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. In spring it spawns over sand and gravel. It is a common bottom fish of East Asian streams and a prey fish for larger species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pike gudgeon?
The Pike gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Elongate bottom-dwelling goby with a flat belly, an inferior sucker mouth and a pair of barbels; well camouflaged on sand.
Where does the Pike gudgeon live?
The Pike gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. East Asia (China, Korea and Japan), on sandy and gravel bottoms of clear rivers and streams.
How big does the Pike gudgeon get?
The Pike gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 29 cm.
Is the Pike gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Pike gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pike gudgeon edible?
The Pike gudgeon is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Pseudogobio
More from the family Cyprinidae
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