Description

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 31. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: no head lateral line canals; scales only under pectoral; body of live breeding males with 10-15 dark, irregular bars; D1 7 rays, D2 8.5 branched rays, A 7-8.5 branched rays (Ref. 59043); interorbit with uniserial row of papillae flanking each orbit (Ref. 12215).

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Gobiiformes

Family: Gobiidae

Genus: Knipowitschia

Species: Knipowitschia punctatissima (Canestrini, 1864)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

A short-lived species (less than 2 years) which occurs in small and karstic springs and streams, densely vegetated channels and slow-flowing streams (Ref. 59043); with constant water temperature, on sand or gravel with or without vegetation, also in silty areas, provided that the water remains clear (Ref. 26100). Feeds on small invertebrates. Spawns after first winter (February-July); females may spawn more than once during this season. Males defend the eggs deposited in cavities under stones, plant material or shells. Postlarvae pelagic. This species is threatened by water abstraction, which lowers the water table and habitat destruction caused by desiccation of some springs (Ref. 59043).

Habitat

demersal

Conservation Status

Near Threatened

Threat to Humans

Harmless