In this work we tried to summarize current information on ecology, distribution and protection of the European mudminnow (Umbra krameri Walbaum, 1792) using available literature and consultation with the State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak. We also focused on conservation management with a proposal for management measures to improve the state of the European mudminnow population in Slovakia. Umbra krameri is an endemic stagnophilic species, living mainly in marshes and lowland waters in the Danube and Dniester basins. In the last century, the population of European mudminnow decreased mainly due to anthropogenic changes in freshwater habitats of the species. European mudminnow is included in the IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species and is protected by the Berne Convention. In Slovakia, European mudminnow is year-round protected fish and is included in The Red List of lampreys and fishes in the Slovak Republic among endangered fishes. Current distribution of the species is restricted to few localities in SE and SW parts of the country. The reason of population decline is mostly destruction of habitats and probably also spreading of several invasive fish species. Suggested management measures are focused on the revitalization of degraded habitats, creating new wetland habitats with control of ichtyocenosis structure.