Iberian gudgeon
Gobio lozanoi
The Iberian gudgeon reaches a maximum size of about 14 cm. The body is elongated with the ventral part flattened. The mouth is pointed downwards and has a pair of barbels. The body has a silvery coloration and is traversed by a series of rounded dark spots.
It is originally distributed in southwestern France and some rivers in the Basque Country. In Catalonia it is introduced into the Ebro basin and tributaries.
It can live in all kinds of environments, but prefers the middle stretches of rivers, with soft sand or gravel substrates. It is a gregarious fish, which feeds on benthic invertebrates, algae and organic matter.
It can compete with native species and, for this reason, it is considered a harmful species.
Distribution
Occitan gudgeon
Gobio occitaniae
It is a small fish that measures up to 12 cm in length. It has an elongated body, with the ventral part flattened. Around the mouth is a pair of barbels. Throughout the body they have a series of dark spots.
Its natural distribution area includes most of the south of France. In Catalonia it is introduced and is present in the Segre, Llobregat, Muga and Fluvià.
It lives in the middle stretches of rivers, in areas of moderate currents and sandy or gravel bottoms. It feeds on invertebrates and occasionally on algae and organic matter.
It is a prolific fish that can cause impacts on native species by competition.
Distribution
