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Slender gudgeon (Squalidus gracilis) — Cyprinidae

Slender gudgeon

Squalidus gracilis
Family: Cyprinidae
LC · Least Concern

The Slender gudgeon (Squalidus gracilis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
15.6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

The slender gudgeon is a small East Asian cyprinid of the genus Squalidus. The species grows to about 16 cm and has a slender, silvery body with a pair of short barbels at the mouth. It inhabits gently flowing middle and lower reaches of rivers, over sandy and pebbly bottoms. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for small invertebrates, algae and detritus. It lives in small groups and is prey for larger fishes. Owing to its small size the species is of little fishery interest and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Slender gudgeon?

The Slender gudgeon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern.

Where does the Slender gudgeon live?

The Slender gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Slender gudgeon get?

The Slender gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Slender gudgeon dangerous to humans?

No, the Slender gudgeon is harmless to humans.

Is the Slender gudgeon edible?

The Slender gudgeon is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Slanke grondel-barbeel sourced
English name
Slender gudgeon sourced
Scientific name
Squalidus gracilis
Family
Cyprinidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Squalidus

More from the family Cyprinidae

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