Fin's Fish Guide
The Common minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in cool, clear and oxygen-rich streams, rivers and lakes.
Description
The common minnow is a small, slender schooling fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 14 cm but usually smaller. The elongate body has very fine scales and is brown-green with a golden sheen and a broken dark lengthwise band. In the breeding season males colour brightly, with a fiery red belly and white tubercles on the head. The species lives in large schools in cool, clear, oxygen-rich streams, rivers and lakes of Europe and northern Asia and is regarded as an indicator of clean water. It eats insect larvae, small crustaceans, algae and detritus. In spring it spawns in shallow, flowing water over gravel. As an abundant prey fish it is key food for trout and predators.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common minnow?
The Common minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Small, slender schooling fish with fine scales and an interrupted dark longitudinal band; in the spawning season males develop a red belly.
Where does the Common minnow live?
The Common minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Widespread in fresh water of Europe and North Asia, in cool, clear and oxygen-rich streams, rivers and lakes.
How big does the Common minnow get?
The Common minnow grows to a maximum of about 14 cm. On average the species is around 7 cm.
Is the Common minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Common minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common minnow edible?
The Common minnow is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common minnow 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 Phoxinus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Common minnow?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.