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Small Kuban gudgeon (Romanogobio parvus) — Cyprinidae

Small Kuban gudgeon

Romanogobio parvus
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Small Kuban gudgeon (Romanogobio parvus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
7.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0.0–1.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Fresh water of the Kuban basin in the north-western Caucasus, on sandy and gravel bottoms of fast-flowing rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The small Kuban gudgeon is a small, slender gudgeon of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 8 cm. The elongate, brownish body bears a row of dark spots along the flank; the inferior mouth has two barbels, with which the fish searches the bottom by touch. The species is endemic to the fresh water of the Kuban drainage in the north-western Caucasus and adapted to flowing water: it lives on sand and gravel bottoms of fast rivers. In small groups it searches the bottom for insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms. In late spring it spawns on sand and gravel banks. Because of its small size and hidden lifestyle it is rarely noticed and has no fishery importance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Small Kuban gudgeon?

The Small Kuban gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, slender river goby with an inferior mouth and two barbels; row of dark blotches along the flank.

Where does the Small Kuban gudgeon live?

The Small Kuban gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of the Kuban basin in the north-western Caucasus, on sandy and gravel bottoms of fast-flowing rivers.

How big does the Small Kuban gudgeon get?

The Small Kuban gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Small Kuban gudgeon dangerous to humans?

No, the Small Kuban gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Small Kuban gudgeon edible?

The Small Kuban gudgeon is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Small Kuban gudgeon verified
Scientific name
Romanogobio parvus
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes verified
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No verified

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater verified
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom verified
Min depth (m)
0.0 verified
Max depth (m)
1.0 verified
Natural range
Fresh water of the Kuban basin in the north-western Caucasus, on sandy and gravel bottoms of fast-flowing rivers. verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore verified
Diet (detail)
Insect larvae, small crustaceans and worms from the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups verified
Territorial
No verified
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes verified
Sexual dimorphism
No verified
Seasonality
Bottom-dweller of flowing water; spawns in late spring on sand and gravel banks. sourced
Special features
Small, slender river goby with an inferior mouth and two barbels; row of dark blotches along the flank. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten verified
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Romanogobio

More from the family Cyprinidae

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