Distribution and variability of whitefin gudgeon, Gobio albipinnatus Lukasch, 1933, in the Bug River and its tributaries

Abstract

About 300 whitefin gudgeons were caught in 1971-1985 and in 1995 in the Bug River and its tributaries (Toczna, Liwiec, Nurzec and Brok). The fish were slender, of low body and almost cylindrical caudal part. The maximal body depth is just behind the head, and not near D fin. There are 43-45 scales along the lateral line, 44.3 on the average. Fin rays are as follows: D - III 7, A - III 6, V - I 7, and P - I 13-16, 14.50 on the average. Body is grey-brown, non-contrasting. Mean values of some features (fin size, maximal body depth, lateral head length) show high similarity to gudgeons inhabiting Narew and San rivers, and partly also Viatka River. On the other hand they do not resemble those found in the Danube, Oder and Vistula. One feature, i.e. depth of caudal peduncle, resembled that found in gudgeon caught in North Doniec, Timis and Morava. Majority of other features placed the fish under study at an intermediate position in relation to European populations. Determination of the subspecies would require more material.