Fin's Fish Guide
The Vardar nase (Chondrostoma vardarense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 35 cm.
The species lives in the fresh water of the southern Balkans, mainly the Vardar river basin and adjacent Aegean rivers, in clear, flowing water with a gravel and stone bottom.
Description
The vardar nase is a slender cyprinid of the family Cyprinidae (Leuciscidae) reaching about 35 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. The species lives in the fresh water of the southern Balkans, mainly the Vardar drainage and adjacent Aegean rivers, in clear, flowing water 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 Vardar nase?
The Vardar nase has an elongate, eel-like 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 Vardar nase live?
The Vardar nase lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. The species lives in the fresh water of the southern Balkans, mainly the Vardar river basin and adjacent Aegean rivers, in clear, flowing water with a gravel and stone bottom.
How big does the Vardar nase get?
The Vardar nase grows to a maximum of about 35 cm.
Is the Vardar nase dangerous to humans?
No, the Vardar nase is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Vardar nase edible?
The Vardar nase is rarely eaten.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Chondrostoma
More from the family Cyprinidae
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