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Benthophilus granulosus, the granular pugolovka, is a species of gobiid fish widespread in the Caspian Sea. It is a small fish, with a length up to 5.6 centimetres (2.2 in) TL. It was listed as Least Concern by the IUCN in 2008: there are no known major threats.

Description

Benthophilus granulosus has a flat head with a flat barbel on the chin that is often described as being leathery. The body colors depend on the habitat in which the fish lives. Benthophilus granulosus can be distinguished from its relatives by their body being covered in thorny granules which are closely compacted, containing three dark blotches on their midline. Benthophilus granulosus also has black dots on the head and back

Habitat

Benthophilus granulosus lives in both brackish and fresh waters; low-salinity zones seem to be preferred. It prefers river deltas and estuaries as well as shallow coastal waters (0.5 to 20 metres (1.6 to 65.6 ft)) in the summer, and moves deeper (down to 70 metres (230 ft)) in the winter.

Life cycle

Benthophilus granulosus has a life span of about a year, and reaches maturity at about 6–7 months. It spawns during April through July in shallow waters. After spawning, a majority of the population will die, first females, then males. Benthophilus granulosus starts life as a "tadpole" and matures into a goby fish.

Diet

Benthophilus granulosus is a bottom dweller and has a fairly limited diet or zoobenthos. They eat mysids, amphipods, bivalves, insects, and other foods.