Author: (Asso, 1801)
FBname: Freshwater blenny
Comments: Adults occur in rivers and brooks (Ref. 4342), in relatively shallow water as well as in low altitude lakes (Ref. 30578), on stone bottom; in streams, deepest and fastest microhabitats are preferred and sometimes coastal lagoons with low salinity (Ref. 59043).  Reported from marine environment (Ref. 58342).  A territorial species that lives up to 5 years (Ref. 59043).   Adults feed on small benthic organisms, aquatic insects and pupae (Ref. 94105).  Oviparous (Ref. 205).  Females spawn for the first time at the end of the first year and spawning lasts up to 3 years but with most females dying at the end of the first spawning year.  One female spawns up to 1,200 eggs (usually 200-300) in a single layer under a large stone; spawns several egg portions during the season. On the other hand, the males clean, fan and defend the eggs until hatching.  Several females may spawn with one male, which may guard the eggs at different stages of development (Ref. 59043).  Eggs are demersal and adhesive; eggs hatch in about a week (Ref. 205, 59043).  Planktonic larvae until about 1.5 cm, are drifted to and remain in quiet pools or side arms of rivers (Ref. 59043). Populations are threatened due to pollution and water abstraction (Ref. 26100); most riverine populations affected by habitat alteration (especially siltation and alteration of stream morphology), and predation of exotic species.  Presence of habitat suitable for the pelagic 'larval' stage downstream of spawning sites is a limiting factor; lacustrine population are apparently safer (Ref. 59043).