How to Identify Naked Gudgeon

To identify Naked Gudgeon (Gobiobotia naktongensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

elongated

Coloration

The body is generally light brown to yellowish-brown, often with irregular dark blotches or saddles along the dorsal side and flanks, providing camouflage against the riverbed. The ventral side is typically paler, whitish to light yellow. Fins are usually translucent with faint dark banding or spots.

Scale type

none

Mouth position

subterminal

Distinctive features

Absence of scales on most of the body, particularly the head and anterior trunk, giving it a 'naked' appearance., Four pairs of prominent barbels around the mouth, used for sensing and foraging on the substrate., Elongated, somewhat depressed body shape, adapted for benthic life., Small, subterminal mouth.

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin, typically with 3 unbranched and 7 branched rays. Originates slightly anterior to the pelvic fin origin.

Tail fin

Caudal fin is moderately forked, with rounded lobes.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively large and horizontally oriented, aiding in maintaining position on the substrate in flowing water. Typically with 1 unbranched and 12-14 branched rays.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are located abdominally, posterior to the pectoral fins, and are also horizontally oriented. Anal fin is short, with 2 unbranched and 5-6 branched rays.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Scales

   The most distinguishing feature is the almost complete lack of scales on the body, especially on the head and anterior trunk. Some minute, embedded scales may be present posteriorly, but the overall impression is 'naked'.

2. 2

   Barbels

   Possesses four pairs of prominent barbels around the mouth, which are longer and more developed than in many other gudgeon species.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Elongated and somewhat flattened ventrally, adapted for resting on the bottom in flowing water.

4. 4

   Coloration

   Cryptic brown to yellowish-brown coloration with irregular dark blotches helps it blend with the riverbed.

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