Norfolk Fishing Network 2004 - 2025 - British Coarse Fish Species H - R

Distribution:The minnow is found throughout much of Europe, from Britain to eastern Spain and eastern Siberia. It is widespread in Britain, but is absent from north Scotland.

Features:The minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) is a small, lively freshwater fish, with a greenish-brown back, which features darker spots that form an attractive 'banded' effect. It has fairly large eyes, a small mouth and a blunt nose.

Diet: The minnow lives in groups and feeds on plant debris, algae, molluscs, insects and crustaceans.

Spawning:The spawning season lasts from April to June, during this time they undertake short upstream migrations to spawn in shallow, gravelly areas. During the spawning season, males develop spectacular colours; the back becomes dark, the sides golden and the belly and lower fins turn bright red.

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