Fin's Fish Guide
The Silver gudgeon (Squalidus argentatus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The silver gudgeon is a small carp-like fish from fresh and brackish water of China and Vietnam in East Asia. The species grows to about 19 cm and has a slender, silvery body with greyish and golden longitudinal stripes, scattered black spots on the back and a row of grey-black blotches along the flank. It lives in rivers and streams and feeds on small invertebrates. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Silver gudgeon?
The Silver gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Silvery body with grey-black flank blotches
Where does the Silver gudgeon live?
The Silver gudgeon lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia
How big does the Silver gudgeon get?
The Silver gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 19 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Silver gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Silver gudgeon is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Silver gudgeon edible?
The Silver gudgeon is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Squalidus
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 Silver gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.