Fin's Fish Guide
The Southern straight-mouth nase (Pseudochondrostoma willkommii) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Endemic to the fresh water of the south of the Iberian Peninsula (especially the Guadalquivir and the Guadiana), in rivers with a gravel and stone bottom.
Description
The southern straight-mouth nase is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 40 cm. The silvery-grey body has an inferior mouth with a straight, horny cutting edge on the lower lip, with which the fish scrapes algae and growth off stones. Endemic to the fresh water of the south of the Iberian Peninsula (mainly the Guadalquivir and Guadiana), in rivers with gravel and stone bottoms. In schools it grazes the algal growth (aufwuchs) off the stones. In spring it migrates upstream to spawn on gravel. Nases are sensitive to water pollution and the damming of rivers, and are regarded as indicators of clean, flowing water.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Southern straight-mouth nase?
The Southern straight-mouth nase has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender cyprinid with an inferior mouth with a straight, horny cutting edge with which it scrapes algae from stones.
Where does the Southern straight-mouth nase live?
The Southern straight-mouth nase lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to the fresh water of the south of the Iberian Peninsula (especially the Guadalquivir and the Guadiana), in rivers with a gravel and stone bottom.
How big does the Southern straight-mouth nase get?
The Southern straight-mouth nase grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Southern straight-mouth nase dangerous to humans?
No, the Southern straight-mouth nase is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Southern straight-mouth nase edible?
The Southern straight-mouth nase is rarely eaten.
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More from the family Cyprinidae
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