How to Identify Aland

To identify Aland (Leuciscus leuciscus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Dorsal side is dark greenish-brown to grey, fading to silvery flanks and a white belly. Fins are typically greyish, sometimes with a reddish tinge, especially the pectoral and pelvic fins in breeding males.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Relatively small scales (50-60 along the lateral line), Slightly upturned mouth, Forked caudal fin, Absence of barbels

Dorsal fin

Short, with 2-3 unbranched and 7-9 branched rays, positioned behind the pelvic fins.

Tail fin

Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, positioned low on the body.

Distinctive fins

All fins are generally greyish, sometimes with a reddish tint, particularly in breeding males.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Scales

   Count the scales along the lateral line; Aland typically have 50-60 scales, which are relatively small compared to other cyprinids like the Chub (Squalius cephalus).

2. 2

   Mouth

   The mouth is terminal and slightly upturned, lacking barbels. This distinguishes it from species like Barbel (Barbus barbus) which have prominent barbels.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Aland has a more slender and elongated body compared to the more robust and deeper-bodied Chub.

4. 4

   Fins

   The dorsal fin is relatively short and positioned behind the pelvic fins. The caudal fin is deeply forked.

5. 5

   Coloration

   Silvery flanks and a dark back are characteristic, with generally greyish fins. The reddish tinge on pectoral and pelvic fins is more pronounced in breeding males.

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