Gudgeon 5 - 8cm

Please note that we do not ship fish by post. All fish must be collected from us in Oberweningen. We will professionally pack the fish for you and ensure sufficient oxygenation. This means that even longer transports can be handled without problems. Our staff will also be happy to provide you with information regarding transport and the correct introduction of the fish into your pond.

Origin and Appearance
The gudgeon, also known as cress or goby, is a native small fish from the carp family.

It is widespread in Western and Northern Europe and prefers fast-flowing or even standing water, with a gravelly or sandy substrate. They like the vegetated bank zones of their waters, where they stay during the warmer seasons; in winter, they retreat to deeper zones.

Gudgeons typically grow to 8-15 cm, weigh a maximum of 100g, and can live for 8 years. They have a rounded body and a large head, an inferior mouth, and barbels. Their back is brownish-bluish to olive in color, and their belly is white.

Care and Feeding
As the name suggests, they mainly stay at the bottom of the water, where they search for and consume their food. They primarily feed on microorganisms and occasionally on plant matter. In domestic garden ponds, we feed sinking pellets for small fish, which they readily accept.

Gudgeons need clean and oxygen-rich water to feel comfortable. If the water quality is right, gudgeons also feel very comfortable in small bodies of water. They live as schooling fish and should not be kept alone. We recommend a group of at least 5 individuals. Their peaceful and sociable nature allows for problem-free cohabitation with other carp-like pond fish.

The spawning season for gudgeons begins in early summer, at water temperatures between 12 - 18 degrees. The female lays up to 3000 eggs on plants or stones, where they are then fertilized by the males. During this time, the male fish develop what is known as a breeding rash, which appears as white spots on the head and gill covers. The young hatch after approx. 4 weeks. Gudgeons reach sexual maturity at about 3 years of age. They are considered very reproductive and potent.

Good water values are a prerequisite for keeping gudgeons; a filter system and oxygenation are therefore essential for the well-being of the animals.

Water Temperatures and Wintering
Gudgeons are native cold-water fish and can cope with a wide variety of conditions. They can tolerate temperatures between 4 - 28 °C well. Wintering in our domestic garden ponds is therefore not a problem.