Volga Dwarf Goby

This species is placed under Hyrcanogobius on the basis of slightly different organization of cephalic sensory pores (Ref. 59043).

Females probably lay 2-3 portions of eggs (Ref. 59043).

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8 - 9; Analspines: 1; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9

This near-pelagic coastal marine species is found in areas with different salinities, including freshwater. It lives for a year and matures at 18-20 mm SL. Spawns after first winter, May-June, down to 2-7 m, with females probably laying 2-3 portions of eggs (0.4-1.0 mm), separately attached inside a mollusc shell; and adults dying soon after spawning. Feeds on small crustaceans (Ref. 59043).

Hyrcanogobius bergi, the Volga dwarf goby, is a species of goby endemic to the Caspian Sea where it occurs in fresh, brackish and marine waters along the coast. Unusually for gobies, this species is almost a pelagic fish. This species grows to a length of 3.6 centimetres (1.4 in) SL. This species is the only known member of its genus. The specific name honours the Soviet zoologist Lev Berg (1876-1950) who described many new species of goby from the Caspian Sea.