Phoxinus

Phoxinus is a genus of small freshwater fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae, the carp and minnow family. These fish are commonly known as minnows or Eurasian minnows.

Characteristics: Phoxinus species are typically small, slender-bodied fish characterized by their olive-green or brownish coloration with darker blotches or a dark lateral stripe. They possess a rounded snout, small mouth, and relatively large scales. They are generally adapted to cool, clear, fast-flowing streams and rivers.

Distribution: The Phoxinus genus is primarily distributed across Eurasia. Their range extends from Western Europe eastward through Siberia and into parts of East Asia.

Ecology and Behavior: Phoxinus minnows are active swimmers and often form large schools. They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. They are an important food source for larger fish and birds. Spawning typically occurs in the spring or early summer, with females depositing eggs on gravel or aquatic vegetation.

Species: Several species are classified within the Phoxinus genus. The exact number and classification of species can be debated and subject to change due to ongoing taxonomic research. A well-known species is Phoxinus phoxinus, the Eurasian minnow, also known as the common minnow.

Conservation Status: The conservation status of different Phoxinus species varies depending on the specific species and the region. Some populations may be threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species.