Gudgeon and our canals
A member of the carp family, the gudgeon was once found in most canals. However, the recent illegal introduction of zander means this species is now rare in many stretches – particularly across the Midlands. It remains common in canals that do not contain zander and thrives in heavily trafficked canals, like the Shropshire Union.
How to identify a gudgeon
Gudgeons are long fish with round bodies and large heads. Grey-blue in colour, they resemble small barbel, but instead of two pairs of barbels, the mouth of the gudgeon has only one. They have a dark back with a horizontal bar down their flank and a pale underside.
These native gudgeons are not to be confused with the topmouth gudgeon, a non-native invasive species.
Lifecycle of a gudgeon
Spawning in late spring, females shed up to 3,000 eggs, which hatch after 10-30 days. The young live in shoals near the spawning place.
Where to find a gudgeon
Gudgeon are typically found in fast moving waters or rapids, but they also live in still water. They are bottom-living fish in rivers, lakes, ponds and canals.
Threats to the gudgeon
As with all species, there is an ever-present threat of a pollution incident, poor water quality, vandalism and open lock paddles draining pounds.
The gudgeon is the preferred prey of the invasive non-native zander. Populations of gudgeon disappear in waters where zander are introduced.
