Benthophilus granulosus Kessler, 1877
Granular pugolovka

Family:  Gobiidae (Gobies), subfamily: Gobiinae
Max. size:  5.6 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:  Europe and Asia: Caspian Sea and the lower Volga.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 4-4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9; Anal spines: 1-1; Anal soft rays: 6-8. Head flat, slightly depressed. Short and flat leathery barbel in chin, tubercles absent. Body color variable depending on habitat (Ref. 33724). Distinguished further from its congeners by the following characters: body covered with numerous, densely-set thorny granules; 3 dark blotches along midline of back and flank; head and back with dark dots, sometimes on dorsal, pectoral and caudal (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Prefers brackish and slightly saline zones in deltas and estuaries; in summer inhabits shallow coastal waters (0.5-20 m) and shallow deltas; in winter, moves to deeper areas (up to 60-70 m). Spawns after first winter. Feeds mostly on molluscs and crustaceans (Ref.59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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