Fin's Fish Guide
The Evrotas minnow (Pelasgus laconicus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Endemic to the Evrotas river basin on the Peloponnese in Greece, in slow-flowing to standing, vegetated water that partly dries up to pools in the dry summer.
Description
The Evrotas minnow is a very small cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 5 cm. The slender, brownish body bears a dark lengthwise stripe along the flank. The species is endemic to the Evrotas drainage on the Peloponnese in Greece, in slow to still, vegetated water that in the dry Mediterranean summer partly dries to isolated pools, into which the fish retreat. As an omnivore it eats small zooplankton, insect larvae and algae. In spring it spawns in shallow, vegetated water. Through its very limited range, drying rivers, water pollution and introduced exotics it has declined sharply and is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Evrotas minnow?
The Evrotas minnow has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Very small cyprinid fish with a dark longitudinal stripe along the flank; endemic to a single Greek river on the Peloponnese.
Where does the Evrotas minnow live?
The Evrotas minnow lives in fresh water and is mostly found around algae or seagrass beds. Endemic to the Evrotas river basin on the Peloponnese in Greece, in slow-flowing to standing, vegetated water that partly dries up to pools in the dry summer.
How big does the Evrotas minnow get?
The Evrotas minnow grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Evrotas minnow dangerous to humans?
No, the Evrotas minnow is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Evrotas minnow edible?
The Evrotas minnow is not usually eaten.
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All data
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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 Evrotas minnow is one of 12,519 species in the app.