Italian Spring Goby

This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: no head lateral line canals; scales only under pectoral; body of live breeding males with 10-15 dark, irregular bars; D1 7 rays, D2 8.5 branched rays, A 7-8.5 branched rays (Ref. 59043); interorbit with uniserial row of papillae flanking each orbit (Ref. 12215).

Females may spawn more than once during a season (Ref. 59043).

Dorsal spines (total): 8; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 8; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 7; Vertebrae: 31

A short-lived species (less than 2 years) which occurs in small and karstic springs and streams, densely vegetated channels and slow-flowing streams (Ref. 59043); with constant water temperature, on sand or gravel with or without vegetation, also in silty areas, provided that the water remains clear (Ref. 26100). Feeds on small invertebrates. Spawns after first winter (February-July); females may spawn more than once during this season. Males defend the eggs deposited in cavities under stones, plant material or shells. Postlarvae pelagic. This species is threatened by water abstraction, which lowers the water table and habitat destruction caused by desiccation of some springs (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: of no interest

Knipowitschia punctatissima, the Italian spring goby, is a species of goby endemic to Italy where it inhabits fresh, clear waters of springs, streams, and channels with slow water movements. This species can reach a length of 4.5 centimetres (1.8 in) SL.