Fin's Fish Guide
The Blageon (Telestes souffia) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Fresh water of Western and Central Europe, mainly the Rhone basin and adjoining rivers, in clear, fast-flowing and oxygen-rich water.
Description
The blageon, also called vairone, is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 25 cm. The silvery-grey body bears a conspicuous dark lengthwise stripe along the flank, and the base of the fins often has an orange or yellowish tinge. The species lives in schools in clear, fast-flowing and oxygen-rich water of western and central Europe, especially in the Rhône drainage and adjacent rivers. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and growth from stones. In spring it migrates upstream in schools to spawn on gravel, the male developing breeding tubercles. As an indicator of clean, flowing water it is sensitive to water pollution and river works, though globally it is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Blageon?
The Blageon has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Slender, silver cyprinid with a dark longitudinal stripe along the flank and orange-tinged fin bases; lives in shoals in clear, flowing water.
Where does the Blageon live?
The Blageon lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Western and Central Europe, mainly the Rhone basin and adjoining rivers, in clear, fast-flowing and oxygen-rich water.
How big does the Blageon get?
The Blageon grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Blageon dangerous to humans?
No, the Blageon is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Blageon edible?
The Blageon is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Blageon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blageon is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Telestes
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Blageon?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Blageon is one of 12,519 species in the app.