| Gobionidae (Gudgeons) |
| 13 cm TL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 5 years |
|
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Europe: Dniestr and tributaries of lower and middle Danube drainage (Black Sea basin); upper Vistula drainage in Poland (Baltic Basin). Systematics of sand gudgeon has not been resolved and several species seem to be confused under the name of Romanogobio kesslerii. |
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Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-9; Anal spines: 2-2; Anal soft rays: 6-6. Diagnosed from its congeners in Baltic and Black Sea basins by the possession of the following characters: predorsal scales with longitudinal epithelial crests; scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin 3; scale rows around caudal peduncle 12; dorsal fin with 8½ branched rays; anal fin with 6½ branched rays; eye small, diameter 20-28% HL, 1.0-1.3 times in interorbital distance; body depth 14-21% SL (Ref. 59043). |
| Adults inhabit fast-flowing piedmont rivers with large areas of sand bottom. They live in groups. Juveniles and adults are active during day. Preyson a variety of benthic invertebrates, usually catching drifting prey. Spawning occurs in shallow areas over gravel, sand or plant material in fast-flowing water. Gradual decline is expected due to on-going economic development. Are sensitive to organic pollution (Ref. 59043). |
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Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2010 Ref. (130435)
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| harmless |
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