Cottus microstomus

photo by Freyhof, J.

Family:	Cottidae (Sculpins)
Max. size:	10.06 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:	benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish
Distribution:	Europe: Black Sea basin in Dniestr drainage. Southern Baltic basin in Odra and Vistula drainages, most likely extending further east to Gulf of Finland.
Diagnosis:	Anal soft rays: 11-14. Can be distinguished from other species of Cottus in Europe by possessing a shallow transverse groove in the snout between the anterior and posterior nares and the combination of the following characters: genital papilla lobular in males; depth of caudal peduncle 20-24% HL; length of caudal peduncle 41-64% HL; prickling on body extending backwards to caudal peduncle (reduced or sometimes absent in some populations); absence of distinct transverse bands on pelvic fin; predorsal length 32-37% SL; distance from tip of snout to origin of second dorsal fin 50-52% SL; dorsal head length 21-25% SL; unique molecular markers (Ref. 55856).
Biology:	Inhabits small streams to medium-sized rivers. Feeds on a wide variety of benthic invertebrates. Females spawn once a year (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status:	Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 05 March 2010 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:	harmless
Country info:

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