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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

Stone moroko: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Pseudorasbora parva

Topmouth gudgeon is a small Asian fish introduced to Europe and subject to restrictions on alien species on the Union list. This sheet prioritises identification and preventing its spread.

Catalogue names : Stone moroko. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Native to East Asia from the Amur to the Pearl River drainages. Introduced in Europe and other Asian regions. In Vendée, records include the Sèvre Nantaise and Lay drainages and several marshes, without uniform departmental coverage.

  • Native range : Amur to Pearl River drainages
  • Introduction : Metropolitan France
  • Introduction : Sèvre Nantaise and Lay, Vendée

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

A small elongated body, strongly upturned mouth and a brown lateral stripe often visible in juveniles. Pseudorasbora parva has no barbels; small size alone does not identify it.

Habitat

Quiet or standing water, small channels, ponds and river side habitats; also found in flowing water. Check equipment before changing water bodies to avoid accidental transfer.

Diet

Small insects, eggs and small fish, as well as plant material; an opportunistic diet.

Behaviour

Early reproduction and opportunism favour its colonisation. An observation should lead to species verification and reporting its presence, without moving individuals.

The metropolitan order of 14 February 2018 consulted, in the consolidation displayed for 10 October 2026, subjects live specimens to the restrictions in Article 3, including keeping, transport, use and introduction into the natural environment, subject to regulated authorisations. The practical procedure after capture still requires local confirmation.

Indicative biological size

4–8 cm average size in the Vendée fishing federation’s account; not a legal size limit.

Fishing context and precautions

Pseudorasbora parva — Prevention after an incidental capture: do not release this fish, transport it alive or use it as bait. Before fishing, establish the procedure and destination specified by the manager or competent authorities. This identification sheet describes neither targeted fishing nor a personal eradication operation.

A distinctive feature

The mouth opening appears almost vertical when closed.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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