Fin's Fish Guide
The Common nase (Chondrostoma nasus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 50 cm.
Fresh water of Central Europe, mainly in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers with a stony and gravel bottom (the barbel and nase zone).
Description
The common nase is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 50 cm. The elongate, silvery body has a blunt, projecting snout with a transverse, sharp-edged lower mouth beneath it; with this the fish scrapes algae and diatoms from stones as if with a plane. In the breeding season the fins turn reddish and males develop white spawning tubercles. The species lives in schools in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers of central Europe, such as the Danube, Rhine and Elbe, and is regarded as an indicator of clean, flowing water. In spring it migrates upstream in large schools to spawn on gravel. Through river regulation and pollution the nase has declined locally, but as a whole it is assessed as not threatened.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common nase?
The Common nase has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender cyprinid with a blunt, projecting snout and a transverse, sharp-edged lower mouth with which it scrapes algae from stones; reddish fins in the spawning season.
Where does the Common nase live?
The Common nase lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Fresh water of Central Europe, mainly in fast-flowing, oxygen-rich rivers with a stony and gravel bottom (the barbel and nase zone).
How big does the Common nase get?
The Common nase grows to a maximum of about 50 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Common nase dangerous to humans?
No, the Common nase is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common nase edible?
The Common nase is rarely eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common nase 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 Chondrostoma
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 Common nase is one of 12,519 species in the app.