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Phoxinus phoxinus, commonly known as the Minnow, is a small, slender freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It is characterized by its elongated body, small scales, and often vibrant coloration, especially during the breeding season. Minnows are schooling fish, typically found in clear, well-oxygenated waters.
Caratteristiche fisiche
- Forma del corpo
- elongated
- Colorazione
- Dorsal side is typically olive-brown to greenish-brown, fading to silvery-white on the belly. A distinctive dark lateral stripe runs from the snout to the caudal fin base, often broken into blotches. During breeding, males develop bright red or orange coloration on their flanks and belly, and tubercles (breeding warts) on their head.
- Tipo di squame
- cycloid
- Posizione della bocca
- terminal
- Caratteristiche distintive
- Small, embedded scales, making the skin appear smooth., A dark lateral stripe, often interrupted., Vibrant breeding coloration in males (red/orange flanks, tubercles)., Relatively large eyes.
- Pinna dorsale
- Single, short-based dorsal fin, typically with 7-9 branched rays.
- Pinna caudale
- Forked caudal fin with rounded lobes.
- Pinna pettorale
- Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.
- Pinne distintive
- All fins are generally clear or slightly yellowish, becoming reddish in breeding males.
Consigli per l'identificazione
Size and Shape
Small, slender fish, typically 7-12 cm (3-5 inches) in length, rarely exceeding 14 cm (5.5 inches).
Lateral Line
The lateral line is incomplete, usually extending only about halfway along the body.
Scales
Very small, almost embedded scales, giving the fish a smooth appearance. This distinguishes it from many other cyprinids with larger, more prominent scales.
Coloration
Look for the characteristic dark lateral stripe and the olive-brown dorsal coloration. Breeding males are unmistakable with their bright red/orange flanks and tubercles.
Mouth
Small, terminal mouth, adapted for feeding on small invertebrates and algae.
Habitat
- Tipo di acqua
- freshwater
- Profondità
- Typically found in shallow waters, but can inhabit depths up to a few meters.
- Ambiente
- Prefers clear, cool, well-oxygenated rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds with gravelly or sandy bottoms. Often found in areas with moderate current and aquatic vegetation for cover.
- Areale geografico
- Widespread across Europe and northern Asia, from Ireland and Great Britain eastward to Siberia and Korea. Absent from southern Europe (e.g., Iberian Peninsula, Italy, Greece) and Iceland.
Informazioni sull'acquario
- Livello di cura: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Dieta: omnivore
- Dimensione minima della vasca: 20 gallons
- Temperatura: 10-20°C (50-68°F)
- Livello di pH: 6.5-7.5
- Durezza: 5-15 dGH
- Compatibilità: Compatible with other peaceful, coldwater fish of similar size. Best kept in groups of 6 or more.
- Requisiti speciali: Requires well-oxygenated water with good filtration and plenty of hiding places among rocks and plants. A substrate of fine gravel or sand is preferred. Sensitive to poor water quality.
Informazioni in natura
- Stato di conservazione: least concern
- Stagionalità: Active year-round, with increased activity and breeding coloration during spring and early summer.
- Prezzo di mercato: Low
- Importanza commerciale: low
- Sapore: Mild, slightly earthy
- Consistenza: Soft, delicate
- Metodi di cottura: Frying, Pan-searing, Pickling
- Valore nutrizionale: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though typically consumed in small quantities.
Fatti chiave
Schooling Behaviorbehavior
Minnows are highly social fish and are almost always found in large schools, which provides protection against predators.
Breeding Tuberclesbehavior
During the breeding season, male minnows develop small, horny bumps called breeding tubercles on their heads and sometimes on their bodies, which are used in territorial displays and to stimulate females.
Ecological Indicatorinteresting
The presence of healthy minnow populations often indicates good water quality, as they are sensitive to pollution and low oxygen levels.
Dietary Flexibilitybehavior
Minnows are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae, and detritus, making them important links in aquatic food webs.
Longevityinteresting
In the wild, minnows typically live for 3-5 years, though some individuals may reach up to 6 years in optimal conditions.
Informazioni di sicurezza
Sicuro- Livello di sicurezza: safe
- Velenoso: No
- Commestibilità: edible
- Note sul maneggio: Minnows are harmless to handle. Care should be taken to minimize stress if caught, and they should be returned to the water quickly if not intended for consumption or aquarium keeping. No sharp spines or toxic secretions.
Specie simili
Gudgeon
Gobio gobio
Gudgeons have barbels at the corners of their mouth, a more cylindrical body, and larger, more prominent scales. Their coloration is also typically more mottled.
Stone Loach
Barbatula barbatula
Stone Loaches have six barbels around their mouth, a more elongated and flattened body, and a distinct pattern of dark blotches. They are benthic dwellers, often found under stones.
Three-spined Stickleback
Gasterosteus aculeatus
Sticklebacks have distinct dorsal spines (typically three), lack scales (instead having bony plates), and a more compressed body shape. Their breeding coloration is also different, with males developing a bright red throat and belly.
Classificazione scientifica
- Regno
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordine
- Cypriniformes
- Famiglia
- Cyprinidae
- Genere
- Phoxinus
- Specie
- Phoxinus phoxinus
Esplora Minnow
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