Oriental weatherfish
Misgurnus anguillicaudatus
The maximum lengths that the Oriental weatherfish reaches are about 25 cm, but usually does not exceed 15 cm. It has a very elongated body with a cylindrical section. The mouth is surrounded by five pairs of barbels. Body color is slightly orange brown, with small, irregular dark spots.
It is native to East Asia. In Catalonia it was detected for the first time in the year 2001, and can currently be found in the Ebro delta and in the lower part of the Ter and Onyar rivers.
It lives in stagnant or slow-flowing areas, with silt or sand bottom, where he is often buried. The diet is made up of all kinds of invertebrates.
Although no data, as all introduced species can cause a negative impact on some native species.
Distribution
Paramisgurnus
Paramisgurnus dabryanus
Very similar to the Oriental weatherfish from which it is difficult to differentiate. Reaches a maximum size of about 15 cm. The body is very elongated and cylindrical in section, with the mouth surrounded by five pairs of barbels. The caudal peduncle has a well-developed adipose crest. The body color is light brown with some small dark spots.
Like the Oriental weatherfish, the paramisgurn is native to eastern Asia. In Catalonia it appears occasionally in some bodies of water due to illegal releases related to aquarium hobby.
It lives in slow-flowing rivers or stagnant waters with silt bottoms. It can live in low oxygen waters, and can even withstand periods of desiccation by burying itself in the mud. It feeds on invertebrates and algae.
It is an invasive species with a high reproductive potential, and therefore may cause a negative impact on some native species.
Distribution
