GUDGEON

26th February 2024

Photo Credit: wrangel (Getty Images), CANVA

QUOTATION

O my Antonio, I do not know of these

That therefore only are reputed wise

For, saying nothing, when, I am very sure

If they should speak, would almost damn those ears,

Which, hearing them, would call their brothers fools.

I’ll tell thee more of this another time.

But fish not with this melancholy bait

For this fool gudgeon, this opinion -

GRATIANO: Merchant of Venice, Act 1, Scene 1

GUDGEON (Gobio gobio)

The reference in Merchant of Venice is the only mention of the Gudgeon in Shakespeare. The Gudgeon is a small, bottom feeding, freshwater fish of rivers, canals and streams.

It is still a common fish and has a reputation for being easy to catch. It is also an important element of freshwater ecosystem and is a main food source of mammals such as Otters.

More Information

Canal & River Trust: Gudgeon

Folger Shakespeare Library: Search Shakespeare’s Works

Wildlife Trusts: Gudgeon