Rotan - a fish of the group of percussion. Its body does not exceed a length of 25 cm. Rotan is found in the rivers of Primorye and in the Amur River basin, but several decades ago it was entered into many reservoirs, where in a short time it became the main inhabitant.
Rotan - a small fish, it is often called a stew. Its color is dark, from brown to almost black. On the stomach and sides, brown spots are clearly discernible. Rotan is also distinguished by two separate dorsal fins. The closest relative of this species is the southern goby. The mouth of the rotan is large, it is directed upwards, the lower jaw is barely noticeable protruding forward. Ventrals separate. During spawning, the males become almost black. Probably, it is for this reason and, perhaps, for a small mobility called rotan head.
This fish prefers to hang by inundated bushes, in small buckets, on the shallows. It feeds mainly on animal food. Rotan is a fish that prefers fry eggs most of all, so it quickly minimizes the number of other species in the pond. Very often, where this species resides, after a year or two other fish no longer remain. The rotan reproduces only in the summer, its eggs are laid on the lower part of the leaves of aquatic plants. Most often, spawning takes place in the thickets of rhodia, lobsters and water lilies. The number of eggs in one such masonry is about 10 thousand pieces. Rotan is a very tenacious fish. It can survive even where other species, including crucian and tench, perish.
To date, rotan is an inhabitant of almost all water bodies in Russia except for the Crimean peninsula. But it is possible for him to appear soon in these places. It is noticed that in those reservoirs where perch and pike are active, rotan does not manage to take a leading position. These species do not allow it to multiply and eat caviar of peaceful fish. But in the ponds and lakes where one crucian lives, the rotan very quickly develops and becomes the master of the situation. Most often this voracious fish is the only inhabitant of small reservoirs with very harsh living conditions. This is a stagnant career, overgrown with mud, overgrown ponds. Rotan can carry the critical lack of oxygen and the complete freezing of the reservoir in winter time, no worse than the crucian carp.
Rotan is a fish, catching of which can bring a lot of pleasure. The largest individuals are kept under the cover of duckweed or under the broad leaves of the water lily. This behavior is absolutely unusual for gobies. With a strong overgrowth of the pond, they look for clearings or windows among the aquatic vegetation. Such places can be made artificially, even with the help of an ordinary shelf. Rotans are not at all shy. To a place free from vegetation, they swim very quickly, they are not confused by the presence of a person. Another interesting feature is noted. Rotan is very fond of a red-white float. The reasons for this are not clear. But the fishermen noticed that it was he who attracted the attention of the fast-moving fish.
Here is such an interesting rotan fish. You can see her photo in this article. This fish has an individuality and is undeservedly not popular with professional anglers.