European bullhead

Cottus gobio

Size: 6–18 cm · 5–80 g
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Nocturnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

European bullhead is a small sculpin of cold clear streams that hides among stones. It is sensitive to pollution and silted beds, making it a useful indicator of clean streams.

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Key facts

European bullhead (Cottus gobio) is a carnivore animal classified as Fish · Perciformes · Cottidae.
Primary habitats are freshwater, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is nocturnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
European bullhead is a small sculpin of cold clear streams that hides among stones.
It lives in European brooks, upper rivers, and stony lake margins with clean gravel or cobble.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It lives in European brooks, upper rivers, and stony lake margins with clean gravel or cobble. Main habitat types in this guide are freshwater.

Appearance

Typical length 6-18 cm, weight 5 g-80 g. A large head, broad pectoral fins, and mostly scaleless body suit life pressed to the bottom.

Behavior

It is nocturnal and usually solitary. It is active at night and shelters under stones or in hollows during the day.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish, and benthic invertebrates are eaten.

Reproduction

Males guard nests under stones and tend the eggs until hatching.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. It is sensitive to pollution and silted beds, making it a useful indicator of clean streams.