Asian Topmouth Gudgeon

Pseudorasbora parva

Description:
Facts:

This small fish is around the same size as the UK native gudgeon which it greatly resembles. It differs in its mouth which is angled upwards to allow it to feed on the surface of the water.
It has recently been shown to have increased its presence in the UK and its presence in many stillwaters is a threat to nearby rivers such as the Trent and Severn.
Once established in these rivers it could traverse all of the UK using the canal system.It is already found in the famous game fishing river the Hampshire TestI

Introduced:

 1998-2002 exact date of introduction not known
Origin:
 SE Asia - probably via ornamental fish trade escapes or releases.
Location:
 25 locations in the UK
Status:
On the increase
Problems:
Comments:
Is carrier of a parasite that poses a direct threat to UK fish stocks
At present mainly in stillwaters but potential threat to UK river systems