Gudgeon (fish)

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Gudgeon is a common name for a number of small freshwater fishes of the families Cyprinidae, Eleotridae or Ptereleotridae. Most gudgeons are elongate, bottom-dwelling fish, many of which live in rapids and other fast moving water.

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[edit] Gudgeons in the family Cyprinidae

Gobio gobio
Gobio gobio

Various cyprinid gudgeons are found in lakes and rivers throughout Europe. Most commonly gudgeon refers to Gobio gobio. This species is a rheophilic or schooling species that occurs in riverine habitats across continental Europe and the United Kingdom. G. gobio feeds on a variety of invertebrates.

[edit] Gudgeons in the family Eleotridae

Known commonly as gudgeons, many species in the family Eleotridae are also called sleeper gobies. Unlike gobies, Eleotridae gudgeons have paired ventral fins rather than a fused ventral fin [1]. In Australia, gudgeons from the family Eleotridae are widespread and are popular aquarium residents.

Ophieleotris aporos, the mud gudgeon
Ophieleotris aporos, the mud gudgeon


[edit] Gudgeons in the family Ptereleotridae

Gudgeons in the family Ptereleotridae are primarily marine species and are often associated with tropical coral reefs.

Blue gudgeon, (Ptereleotris microlepis)
Blue gudgeon, (Ptereleotris microlepis)


[edit] References

  1. ^ Helfman G., Collette B., & Facey D.: The Diversity of Fishes, Blackwell Publishing, p 264, 1997, ISBN 0-86542-256-7