Fish species in Japan

Topmouth gudgeon

モツゴ · motsugo
Pseudorasbora parva

Called kuchiboso, this tiny fish has an upturned mouth and no barbels. A very small hook and bait are more useful than forceful striking. It is well suited to observing small float movements.

Habitat and season

Japanese rivers or lakes; consult local fishery rules.

Recorded fishing season: Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov
Scientific name: Pseudorasbora parva
Japanese name: モツゴ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Small-fish freshwater float fishing

A small float and baited hook make bites visible in canals, ponds and gentle river margins.

Find places to fish

Find spots for topmouth gudgeon on the map →

Cooking

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Compare related fish

Detailed Japanese species notes

クチボソの名で親しまれる小物釣りの魚。上向きの小さな口で餌をついばむため、大きな針や餌ではアタリだけで終わりやすい。小さなウキの変化を読む練習にもなる。

水路の転落と増水に注意。釣った魚を別の池へ放さない。食用の小魚も必ず加熱する。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →