Fin's Fish Guide
The Orontes bleak (Alburnus orontis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Description
The Orontes bleak is a small cyprinid from fresh and brackish water of the Near East, in the Orontes basin of Syria and Turkey. The species grows to about 9 cm and has a slender, silvery, streamlined body. It schools near the water surface and feeds on insects, small zooplankton and algae. The fish is harmless to humans and has limited commercial value. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Orontes bleak?
The Orontes bleak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender silvery small surface-schooling fish
Where does the Orontes bleak live?
The Orontes bleak lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Near East (Orontes)
How big does the Orontes bleak get?
The Orontes bleak grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.
Is the Orontes bleak dangerous to humans?
No, the Orontes bleak is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Orontes bleak edible?
The Orontes 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 Orontes bleak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Orontes bleak is one of 12,519 species in the app.