Caspian tadpole goby (Benthophilus macrocephalus)

Scientific name: Benthophilus macrocephalus Pallas, 1787

The Caspian tadpole goby (Benthophilus macrocephalus) is a freshwater fish of the family Gobiidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 4–20°C (39–68°F). Native range: Former USSR and Asia, Caspian Sea. Common in the Volga delta near Astrakhan.

Caspian tadpole goby care at a glance

Temperature
4–20°C (39–68°F)

Biology

This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: tubercles larger than granules, tubercles of equal size in dorsal row 24-26, ventral row 21-22, upper lateral row up to 20 but the lower one is usually absent; numerous granules, densely set and appearing as small spines covering head, back, flanks and caudal peduncle; a semicircular patch of granules along upper eye margin; chin barbel thick and conical; D1 III-IV; body plain grey.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Benthophilus macrocephalus
Family
Gobiidae (Gobies)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
11.6
Depth range
0–25 m (0–82 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; depth range 0 - 25 m
Climate
Temperate
Distribution
Former USSR and Asia: Caspian Sea. Common in the Volga delta near Astrakhan.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries:
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

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