Fin's Fish Guide
The Asp (Leuciscus aspius) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 120 cm.
Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe, in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Description
The asp is a large, slender predatory cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 1.2 metres. The silvery, streamlined body has a large, obliquely upturned mouth; unlike true predators the asp lacks jaw teeth and seizes prey with a powerful, sucking gulp. The species lives in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs of central and eastern Europe, including slightly brackish water. Young fish eat insects and school, but large fish hunt actively and often solitarily in open water for small schooling fish such as bleak and roach, sometimes with spectacular surface strikes. In spring it spawns over gravel. The asp is a valued, sporting predator for angling.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Asp?
The Asp has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, slender predatory cyprinid with a large, obliquely upturned mouth without teeth; hunts actively for small fishes in open water.
Where does the Asp live?
The Asp lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Central and Eastern Europe, in large rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
How big does the Asp get?
The Asp grows to a maximum of about 120 cm. On average the species is around 55 cm.
Is the Asp dangerous to humans?
No, the Asp is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Asp edible?
The Asp is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Asp and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Leuciscus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Asp?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Asp is one of 12,519 species in the app.