Biology

Inhabits shallow coastal waters and estuaries usually 0.5-10 m deep, over mud bottom; also in lower reaches or rivers. It is widely distributed but rare. During warm seasons, it prefers coastal waters; in northern Caspian Sea, it moves to deeper waters (20-25) in winter. This species lives for about a year. it forms schools during spawning season (April-July) over hard bottom with mollusc shells where females lay eggs in at least two portions. Feeds mostly on molluscs and fish (small gobies), also worms and crustaceans. (Ref.59043). Males are larger than females. Mature males become completely naked (Ref. 2058).