Come identificare European Bullhead

Per identificare European Bullhead (Cottus gobio), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

torpedo

Colorazione

Dorsally mottled brown, grey, or olive with darker blotches and bands, providing excellent camouflage against the riverbed. Ventrally lighter, often whitish or yellowish. Fins are typically banded or spotted.

Tipo di squame

none

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Large, broad, flattened head with a wide mouth, Body tapers significantly towards the caudal fin, Absence of scales (skin is smooth), Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed, Large, fan-like pectoral fins, Pelvic fins are thoracic, located beneath the pectoral fins

Pinna dorsale

Two dorsal fins: D1 (spiny) with 6-9 spines; D2 (soft-rayed) with 16-19 rays. The two fins are typically separated or barely touching.

Pinna caudale

Rounded or slightly emarginate caudal fin.

Pinna pettorale

Large, broad, and fan-like, with 13-15 rays, extending well beyond the origin of the anal fin.

Pinne distintive

Pelvic fins are small, with 1 spine and 3-4 soft rays, located anterior to the pectoral fin base.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Head Shape

   Look for the distinctively large, broad, and flattened head, which is wider than the body.

2. 2

   Body Taper

   Observe how the body rapidly tapers from the head towards the tail.

3. 3

   Scales

   Confirm the absence of scales; the skin is smooth to the touch.

4. 4

   Pectoral Fins

   Note the large, fan-like pectoral fins that are characteristic of the species.

5. 5

   Dorsal Fins

   Identify the two distinct dorsal fins, with the first being spiny and the second soft-rayed.

Esplora European Bullhead