| Family: |
Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae |
| Max. size: |
14.3 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
demersal; freshwater; brackish |
| Distribution: |
Europe and Asia: Northern, western and southern parts of Caspian Sea; lower reaches of Volga up to Astrakhan. |
| Diagnosis: |
This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: 2 tubercles between the eyes; projecting upper jaw distinct; tubercles in dorsal row 27-30, ventral row 27-30, upper lateral row 15-24 but the lower one usually absent; granules few or sparse on head and back in front of first dorsal; a few larger ones between upper lateral and dorsal rows of tubercles; chin barbel slightly compressed, half of eye diameter in length; D1 III-IV; sides with dark blotches and irregular dots (Ref. 59043). |
| Biology: |
This species is rarely found in marine waters for it prefers salinity below 9 ppt. Occurs in still or slowly flowing water over muddy bottom at depths of around 0.5-10 m in summer and moves to deeper waters in winter. It lives for a about a year; spawns in April-October. Females lay eggs in two portions, sometimes more and die shortly after last release of eggs while the males die 3-4 weeks later. The males probably guard a clutch of eggs until hatching. Feeds on benthic invertebrates, mainly molluscs (Ref.59043). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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