Western Carp Gudgeon - Classification

Classification

Western carp gudgeon are purportedly the most common of the carp gudgeons (lake's carp gudgeon and midgley's carp gudgeon are the other proposed species). However, recent genetic research suggests that the carp gudgeons are a cryptic species complex composed of at least four species and many hybrids; their taxonomy is extremely complicated, unresolved and not accurately reflected by current scientific and common names.

Many researchers have now resorted to referring to them as simply "carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris spp.)" until their taxonomy is resolved.

Despite their common name, carp gudgeon are in no way related to carp (Cyprinus carpio) or other members of the Cyprinidae family.