Fin's Fish Guide
The Topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 13 cm.
East Asia: from the Amur to the Pearl River basin in Siberia, Korea and China.
Description
The stone moroko is a small cyprinid (family Cyprinidae) growing to at most 12.5 cm. The slender, silvery-grey body has a superior, upturned mouth; juveniles and females show a dark lateral stripe, while breeding males darken and develop nuptial tubercles. Native to East Asia, the species has been widely introduced across Europe, where it is invasive, can displace native fishes and also spreads a harmful parasite. Males guard the eggs, which adhere to stones, until they hatch. Stone moroko eat small insects, fish eggs, fry and plant material, and the fish has no value as food.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Topmouth gudgeon?
The Topmouth gudgeon has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small cyprinid with a superior mouth; juveniles and females with a dark longitudinal stripe. Males develop breeding tubercles.
Where does the Topmouth gudgeon live?
The Topmouth gudgeon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. East Asia: from the Amur to the Pearl River basin in Siberia, Korea and China.
How big does the Topmouth gudgeon get?
The Topmouth gudgeon grows to a maximum of about 13 cm. On average the species is around 8 cm.
Is the Topmouth gudgeon dangerous to humans?
No, the Topmouth gudgeon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Topmouth gudgeon edible?
The Topmouth gudgeon is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Topmouth gudgeon and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Pseudorasbora
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Topmouth gudgeon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Topmouth gudgeon is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone