Fin's Fish Guide
The Sunbleak (Leucaspius delineatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 9 cm.
Fresh water of Central and Eastern Europe, in standing and slow-flowing, plant-rich ditches, fens and pools.
Description
The sunbleak is a very small, slender freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 9 cm but usually smaller. The compressed body is translucent silver with a bluish sheen, an upturned mouth and a strikingly short, incomplete lateral line. The species lives in schools in still and slow-flowing, vegetation-rich ditches, pools and ponds of central and eastern Europe, often just below the surface. As an omnivore it eats zooplankton, small insects and algae. In spring the female lays the eggs in spiral strands on water plants, after which the male guards them. Through loss of small waters the sunbleak has declined locally; in the Netherlands it is a protected species.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Sunbleak?
The Sunbleak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Very small, slender and translucent fish with an upward-facing mouth and an incomplete, short lateral line.
Where does the Sunbleak live?
The Sunbleak lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of Central and Eastern Europe, in standing and slow-flowing, plant-rich ditches, fens and pools.
How big does the Sunbleak get?
The Sunbleak grows to a maximum of about 9 cm. On average the species is around 6 cm.
Is the Sunbleak dangerous to humans?
No, the Sunbleak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Sunbleak edible?
The Sunbleak is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Sunbleak and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Sunbleak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sunbleak is one of 12,519 species in the app.