Fin's Fish Guide
The Ohrid spirlin (Alburnoides ohridanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of Lake Ohrid and connected streams and rivers in the western Balkans, in clear, flowing to standing water.
Description
The Ohrid spirlin is a small, slender schooling fish of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 9 cm. The streamlined body has a shining silver flank with a fine dark line along the lateral line, as in the other spirlins or riffle minnows. The species is endemic to the fresh water of ancient Lake Ohrid and connected streams and rivers of the western Balkans, in North Macedonia and Albania, in clear, flowing to still water. In schools it feeds on surface insects, insect larvae, small zooplankton and algae. In spring and summer it spawns in shallow, flowing water on gravel. Lake Ohrid is famous for its many endemic species; because of its limited range this fish is sensitive to water pollution and introduced exotics.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Ohrid spirlin?
The Ohrid spirlin has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Small, slender schooling fish with a shiny silver flank and a fine dark line along the lateral line; endemic to the Lake Ohrid region.
Where does the Ohrid spirlin live?
The Ohrid spirlin lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Lake Ohrid and connected streams and rivers in the western Balkans, in clear, flowing to standing water.
How big does the Ohrid spirlin get?
The Ohrid spirlin grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Ohrid spirlin dangerous to humans?
No, the Ohrid spirlin is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Ohrid spirlin edible?
The Ohrid spirlin is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Alburnoides
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Ohrid spirlin?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Ohrid spirlin is one of 12,519 species in the app.