Weatherfish
Misgurnus fossilis
The weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) is a freshwater fish from the loach family commonly found across Central Europe. It has an elongated, cylindrical body covered with small scales and multiple barbels around its mouth, which assist in locating food along the bottom of water bodies. Typically, the weatherfish grows up to 20 cm in length, although larger individuals have been recorded. This species prefers calm, muddy freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers. It is primarily nocturnal, feeding on invertebrates and detritus. Thanks to its ability to breathe atmospheric air, the weatherfish can survive in waters with low oxygen levels, making it particularly resilient to unfavorable environmental conditions. Known for its distinctive body shape and benthic foraging behavior, the weatherfish is common in Poland but may face local threats due to habitat degradation caused by pollution and water management activities.
Minimum size: 0 cm
Protection from: January
Protection to: December
