Fin's Fish Guide
The Colchic minnow (Phoxinus colchicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 8 cm.
Fresh water of the southern Caucasus (Colchis), in the basins along the eastern Black Sea coast, in clear, cool and flowing streams and rivers.
Description
The Colchic minnow is a small, slender minnow of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 8 cm. The green-brown body is mottled and blends well against a gravel bottom; in the breeding season the male becomes more brightly coloured. The species lives in schools in clear, cool and flowing streams and rivers of the southern Caucasus (the region of Colchis), in the drainages along the eastern Black Sea coast in Georgia. As an omnivore it eats insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and some plant material. In spring it spawns in shallow, flowing water. Minnows are sensitive to water pollution and are regarded as indicators of clean water; through its schooling behaviour it is an important prey for larger fish. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Colchic minnow?
The Colchic minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Small, slender minnow with a blotched, green-brown body; forms shoals in clear, cool streams of the Caucasus.
Where does the Colchic minnow live?
The Colchic minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the southern Caucasus (Colchis), in the basins along the eastern Black Sea coast, in clear, cool and flowing streams and rivers.
How big does the Colchic minnow get?
The Colchic minnow grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.
Is the Colchic minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Colchic minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Colchic minnow edible?
The Colchic minnow is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phoxinus
More from the family Cyprinidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Colchic minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.