Mudminnow (Umbra krameri)

Scientific name: Umbra krameri Walbaum, 1792

The Mudminnow (Umbra krameri) is a freshwater fish of the family Umbridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 5–24°C (41–75°F). Native range: Europe, Danube drainage from Vienna to delta; lower reaches of Dniestr drainage. In Appendix II of the Bern Convention (strictly protected fauna).

Mudminnow care at a glance

Temperature: 5–24°C (41–75°F)

Biology

Inhabits small irrigation canals and slowly flowing and stagnant waters with dense vegetation, usually in small ditches, oxbows, backwaters and shallow lakes. Territorial in shallow pools and swamps. Feeds on larger crustacean plankton and invertebrate larvae. This species is under threat due to habitat destruction, irrigation works and disappearance of shallow ditches as suitable habitats, restrictions of river inundation, pressure from introduced fish species and chemical pollution.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Umbra krameri
Family: Umbridae (Mudminnows)
Order: Esociformes (Pikes and Mudminnows)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 17.0
Common length: 5.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 5 - ? benthopelagic; non-migratory; depth range 0 - ? m
Climate: Temperate
Distribution: Europe: Danube drainage from Vienna to delta; lower reaches of Dniestr drainage. In Appendix II of the Bern Convention (strictly protected fauna).
Conservation status (IUCN): Vulnerable (VU) (A2c)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (tm=1)