Minnow  (Phoxinus phoxinus)

Common and widespread.

The minnow is a small, lively freshwater fish, with a greenish-brown back (2), which features darker spots that form an attractive 'banded' effect (3). It has fairly large eyes, a small mouth and a blunt nose (2). During the spawning season, males develop spectacular colours; the back becomes dark, the sides golden and the belly and lower fins turn bright red (2).

The minnow is found throughout much of Europe, from Britain to eastern Spain and eastern Siberia (4). It is widespread in Britain, but is absent from north Scotland (2).

Inhabits clean streams and rivers that have either a sandy or stony bed (2), in cold, running or still water that is well oxygenated (4). It reaches altitudes of 2000 m, and has been found in some lakes (2).

The minnow lives in groups and feeds on plant debris, algae, molluscs, insects and crustaceans (4). The spawning season lasts from April to June (2); during this time they undertake short upstream migrations to spawn in shallow, gravelly areas (4).

The minnow is an important component of the diet of larger fishes, including the brown trout (Salmo trutta fario), as well as many water birds (3). This species is a good 'indicator' of the quality and oxygen content of streams and rivers (2).

Not currently threatened.

Conservation action has not been targeted at this species.

For more on this species see the Fishbase species account, available at:
http://www.fishbase.org

1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (Jan 2003): http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn/
2. Cihar, J. (1991) A field guide in colour to freshwater fish. Silverdale Books, Leicester.
3. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica. Hamlyn, London.
4. Fishbase species account (Jan 2003): http://www.fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.cfm?genusname=Phoxinus&speciesname=phoxinus