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Tigris dace (Squalius lepidus) — Leuciscidae

Tigris dace

Squalius lepidus
Family: Leuciscidae
LC · Least Concern

The Tigris dace (Squalius lepidus) is a freshwater fish of the family Leuciscidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
23.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Middle East; Tigris-Euphrates basin.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Tigris chub is a cyprinid (Leuciscidae) from the Tigris-Euphrates basin in the Middle East. The species has a streamlined, silvery body with a large head and mouth. It inhabits rivers and lakes with clear current. As an omnivore it feeds on insects, small invertebrates, small fishes, algae and plant matter. It is a local food fish and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tigris dace?

The Tigris dace has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Omnivore of the Tigris-Euphrates river basin; large head and mouth.

Where does the Tigris dace live?

The Tigris dace lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Middle East; Tigris-Euphrates basin.

How big does the Tigris dace get?

The Tigris dace grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Tigris dace dangerous to humans?

No, the Tigris dace is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Tigris dace edible?

Yes, the Tigris dace is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Tigris dace verified
Scientific name
Squalius lepidus
Family
Leuciscidae sourced

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
23.7 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Middle East; Tigris-Euphrates basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Insects, small invertebrates, small fishes, algae and plant material sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Omnivore of the Tigris-Euphrates river basin; large head and mouth. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Squalius

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