European Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus)

OTHER NAMES: Eurasian Minnow, Common Minnow, Minnow
Latin Etymology: Phoxinus ("minnow") phoxinus ("minnow")

Shoal of European Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) at Ambleside, Cumbria - July 2022

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: 8-16g  /  Length: 7-14cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A species whose name is synonymous with the idea of small fish, this is a widespread species that forms shoals in streams and other well oxygenated bodies of freshwater. Their native range is rivers connecting to the North Sea both in the UK and Northern Europe. Unlike most small fish in their range, they can be found in high density shoals which help protect them from predation. Formerly regarded as a single widespread species over Europe, they have been split into a number of species across their range.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Leuciscidae
Genus: Phoxinus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 
 
- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A common and widespread resident
- Seen in various locations  

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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European Chub (Squalius cephalus)

OTHER NAMES: Common Chub
Latin Etymology: Squalius ("fish") cephalus ("head")

Adult Juvenile in Summer Winter plumage of Species (subspecies ) at Oundle, Northants, UK - June 2026

Featured Subspecies: ? 
Weight: 1.3-2.3kg+  /  Length: 30-60cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A widespread and common species of fish natively found in rivers that empty into the North, Baltic, Caspian and Black Seas, as well as smaller seas that connect into the Arctic Ocean. They favour slow to moderate rivers as well as larger bodies of freshwater like lakes. They are a popular sport fish as smaller specimens come readily to bait while larger individuals are more timid making them a prize catch for more experienced anglers.
 
Related Species: 
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Leuciscidae
Genus: Squalis
SUBSPECIES: S. c. athurensis, S. c. vardarensis
 

- Sighting Locations -

UNITED KINGDOM - A common and widespread resident
- Seen in various locations 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Andalusian Barbel (Luciobarbus sclateri)

OTHER NAMES: 
Latin Etymology: Luciobarbus ("pike-barbel") sclateri (for zoologist Philip Sclater)

 

Adult Andalusian Barbel (Luciobarbus sclateri) in Seville, Spain - November 2011

Featured Subspecies: N/A
Weight: ?  /  Length: 50cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

A fish endemic to the lower Iberian penninsula where it favours middle to lower rivers and is fairly adaptable to habitat - this one was seen in the centre of Seville for instance. A close relation of other Barbel species, the cluster of species native to the Iberian penninsula was originally regarded as a single species before differences were noted.  They are a long lived species, with the oldest known individual reaching 18 years.

Related Species:
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae
Genus: Luciobarbus
SUBSPECIES: none - monotypic 

 - Sighting Locations -

SPAIN - Spanish - Barbo gitano

 A fairly common feral species locally.

 - SEVILLE 2011 TRIP: A single individual seen in Seville.

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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