Fin's Fish Guide
The Pearlfish (Rutilus meidingeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Endemic to the large pre-alpine lakes of Central Europe, such as the Attersee, Traunsee and Chiemsee, in deep, cool water; migrates to the inflowing rivers to spawn.
Description
The pearlfish is a large, robust cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 70 cm. It resembles a stout roach, with a deep, silvery-grey body and a forked tail. The species is endemic to the large pre-Alpine lakes of central Europe, such as the Attersee, Traunsee and Chiemsee, where it lives in schools in deep, cool water. As an omnivore it eats molluscs, insect larvae, crustaceans and plant material. In spring it ascends from the lake into the inflowing rivers to spawn on gravel; the males then develop a coarse, white rash of pearly tubercles, from which the species takes its name. Through its limited range, dams and water pollution it has declined and is assessed as Vulnerable (VU).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pearlfish?
The Pearlfish has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, robust cyprinid that resembles a stout roach; in the spawning season the males develop a coarse white spawning rash of breeding tubercles.
Where does the Pearlfish live?
The Pearlfish lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Endemic to the large pre-alpine lakes of Central Europe, such as the Attersee, Traunsee and Chiemsee, in deep, cool water; migrates to the inflowing rivers to spawn.
How big does the Pearlfish get?
The Pearlfish grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Pearlfish dangerous to humans?
No, the Pearlfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Pearlfish edible?
Yes, the Pearlfish is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Rutilus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Pearlfish?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pearlfish is one of 12,519 species in the app.