Fin's Fish Guide
The Bleak (Alburnus alburnus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae that grows up to 25 cm.
Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Europe, in rivers, canals and lakes.
Description
The bleak is a small, slender freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae reaching about 25 cm but usually smaller. The strongly compressed body is bright silver with a blue-green back and an upturned mouth, a build suited to feeding just below the surface. The species is very common in rivers, canals and lakes of Europe, including slightly brackish water, and forms large, lively schools at the surface. It is an omnivore that feeds mainly on insects, zooplankton and drifting food. The silvery sheen (guanine) of its scales was once used to make artificial pearls. As an abundant prey fish the bleak is an important link in the freshwater food web.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Bleak?
The Bleak has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Slender, bright silver small surface fish with an upturned mouth; the silver sheen on the scales was once used to make artificial pearls.
Where does the Bleak live?
The Bleak lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Widespread in fresh and slightly brackish water of Europe, in rivers, canals and lakes.
How big does the Bleak get?
The Bleak grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.
Is the Bleak dangerous to humans?
No, the Bleak is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Bleak edible?
The Bleak is rarely eaten.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Bleak and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Alburnus
More from the family Cyprinidae
Want the complete picture on the Bleak?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Bleak is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone