Fin's Fish Guide
The Italian bleak (Alburnus albidus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 11 cm.
Fresh water of southern Italy, in clear to slightly turbid water of rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Description
The Italian bleak is a slender, bright silvery schooling fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 11 cm. The streamlined body has an upturned mouth with which the fish picks prey just below the surface. The species is endemic to the fresh water of southern Italy and lives in schools in clear to slightly turbid water of rivers, lakes and reservoirs. As an omnivore it feeds on zooplankton, surface insects and some plant material. In late spring and summer it spawns in shallow water, where the eggs stick to gravel and water plants. Through water pollution, water abstraction and competition with introduced exotics the species has become fragmented and declined; it is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Italian bleak?
The Italian bleak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, bright silver small schooling fish with an upturned mouth; an endemic bleak of southern Italy.
Where does the Italian bleak live?
The Italian bleak lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of southern Italy, in clear to slightly turbid water of rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
How big does the Italian bleak get?
The Italian bleak grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.
Is the Italian bleak dangerous to humans?
No, the Italian bleak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Italian bleak edible?
The Italian bleak is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Alburnus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Italian bleak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Italian bleak is one of 12,519 species in the app.