Bullhead  (Cottus gobio)

Authentication

Information authenticated by Andrew Davey, University of Southampton.

Glossary

Crepuscular: Active at dusk.
Crustaceans: Diverse group of arthropods (a phylum of animals with jointed limbs and a hard chitinous exoskeleton) characterised by the possession of two pairs of antennae, one pair of mandibles (parts of the mouthparts used for handling and processing food) and two pairs of maxillae (appendages used in eating, which are located behind the mandibles). Includes crabs, lobsters, shrimps, slaters, woodlice and barnacles.
Dorsal fin: The unpaired fin found on the back of the body of fish, or the raised structure on the back of most cetaceans.
Invertebrates: Animals with no backbone.
Larvae: Stage in an animal's lifecycle after it hatches from the egg. Larvae are typically very different in appearance to adults; they are able to feed and move around but usually are unable to reproduce.
Pectoral fins: In fish, the pair of fins that are found one on each side of the body just behind the gills. They are generally used for balancing and braking.
Spawning: The production or depositing of large quantities of eggs in water.

References

  1. UNEP-WCMC (January, 2002)
    http://quin.unep-wcmc.org/
  2. Maitland, P.S. (2000) Guide to Freshwater Fish of Britain and Europe. Hamlyn, London.
  3. Carter, M.G., Copp, G.H. and Szomlai, V. (2004) Seasonal abundance and microhabitat use of bullhead Cottus gobio and accompanying fish species in the River Avon (Hampshire), and implications for conservation. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 14: 395 - 412.
  4. Environment Agency. (1998) Species Awareness leaflet Number 3: Spined loach and Bullhead. Environment Agency, Peterborough.
  5. Davey, A. (2002) Pers. Comm.
  6. Miller, P.J. and Coates, M.J. (1997) Fish of Britain and Europe. Harper Collins Ltd, London.
  7. JNCC (September, 2008)
    http://www.jncc.gov.uk/ProtectedSites/SACselection/species.asp?FeatureIntCode=S1163
  8. Tomlinson, M.L. and Perrow, M.R. (2003) Ecology of the Bullhead. Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers Ecology Series No. 4. English Nature, Peterborough. Available at:
    http://www.english-nature.org.uk/LifeInUKRivers/species/bullhead.pdf
  9. Cihar, J. (1991) A Field Guide in Colour to Freshwater Fish. Silverdale Books, Leicester.
  10. Newdick, J. (1979) The Complete Freshwater Fishes of the British Isles. A & C Black, London.