Mystery eggs in stream

muscardinus · #1 (**permalink**) 25-04-2010, 04:41 PM

I found these caviar-like eggs under a stone in a fast-flowing stream in the Quantock Hills, Somerset.

They are small, round and pinkish-orange. As far as I know, there aren't any fish in this small, shallow stream, so what can they be?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Adrian Vygus · #2 (**permalink**) 25-04-2010, 05:05 PM

Cottus gobio (Bullhead) eggs!

muscardinus · #3 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 02:26 PM

Many thanks, Adrian.

You're right - I have checked my Collins freshwater guide, and the description and timing seem perfect. I have yet to actually see one of these little fish in the flesh, though...

Adrian Vygus · #4 (**permalink**) 27-04-2010, 11:10 PM

They're about the size of a thumb, they are aka Millers thumb but they are also PDQ and the same colour as the stones!

lipase · #5 (**permalink**) 04-05-2010, 06:34 PM

They seem easier to see at night for me since they act a little less shy, they are fairly confident of their own camouflage so will stay still providing you don't startle them too much... There's a pond/ small lake near here in which you can spot them at the shallow edges sitting on rocks and it's easy enough to slowly catch them with a couple of small nets.

AndyC · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2010, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muscardinus

Many thanks, Adrian.

You're right - I have checked my Collins freshwater guide, and the description and timing seem perfect. I have yet to actually see one of these little fish in the flesh, though...

It is the male bullhead that guards the eggs and he wont be far away, in fact he should have been under the stone with them. As for there being no fish in the stream - if it's big enough for bullheads there will probably be brown trout too in any deeper spots.

Andy