Bleak

Alburnus alburnus

The bleak (Alburnus alburnus) is a small freshwater fish widely distributed across Europe. It inhabits rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and lowland waters, typically forming large schools near the surface. It prefers well-oxygenated waters with moderate current but also thrives in standing water bodies. Bleak feed mainly on plankton, small insects, and insect larvae collected from the water surface. They are active, agile swimmers and play an important role in the food chain, serving as prey for many predatory fish species such as pike, perch, and zander. This species is easily recognized by its slender body and bright, silvery scales that reflect light intensely. Due to its abundance and schooling behavior, the bleak is a key component of many freshwater ecosystems.

Minimum size: 0 cm

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