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Yangtze gudgeon (Microphysogobio chinssuensis) — Cyprinidae

Yangtze gudgeon

Microphysogobio chinssuensis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Yangtze gudgeon (Microphysogobio chinssuensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
China (Yangtze basin)
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The Yangtze gudgeon is a small cyprinid gudgeon from the upper reaches of the Yangtze in China. The species grows to about 6 cm and has a slender body with an inferior mouth, characteristic of the gudgeons. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in flowing fresh water and searches the bottom for small invertebrates and organic matter. The fish is harmless to humans and of no notable fisheries interest. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Yangtze gudgeon?

The Yangtze gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Inferior mouth; small bottom-dwelling goby

Where does the Yangtze gudgeon live?

The Yangtze gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. China (Yangtze basin)

How big does the Yangtze gudgeon get?

The Yangtze gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Yangtze gudgeon dangerous to humans?

No, the Yangtze 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 Yangtze gudgeon edible?

The Yangtze gudgeon is not usually eaten.

More photos

Yangtze gudgeon (Microphysogobio chinssuensis) — Cyprinidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) 阿白, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Yangtze gudgeon verified
Scientific name
Microphysogobio chinssuensis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.4 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) sourced
Lips
Thin sourced
Barbels
Yes inferred
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
China (Yangtze basin) verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and organic material inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
Bottom-dweller of flowing water; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Inferior mouth; small bottom-dwelling goby sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
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. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Microphysogobio

More from the family Cyprinidae

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