ExploreFish

Bleak

Alburnus

Bleak are small fish with a silvery body that shine in the sunlight. They are playful and often swim in schools, making them fun to watch!

Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes

Appearance

The Bleak is a slender, silvery fish with a streamlined body and a pointed snout. It has small, shimmering scales that give it a bright, reflective appearance, making it look like a tiny silver dart in the water.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCypriniformesFamilyCyprinidaeGenusAlburnus

Bleak

Interesting facts

Ancient people used Bleak scales to make a shimmery paint called "pearl essence" for fake pearls!

Bleak are a super important snack for many bigger fish and birds, keeping the food web going!

Bleak are like a water quality alarm; they struggle if the water isn't clean enough.

These tiny fish often jump out of the water to catch flying insects, a real acrobatic feat!

Special abilities

Bleak can quickly form large, synchronized schools that confuse hungry predators, helping them stay safe.

Bleak has highly reflective scales that flash sunlight, making it harder for predators to target just one fish.

Bleak can quickly dart to the water surface to snatch fallen insects, thanks to its agile body.

Measurements & details

Length: 8-20 cm
Weight: 0.01-0.08 kg
Lifespan: 3-6 years
Swim Speed: 20 km/h
Max Depth: 5 m
Water Type: Freshwater

Diet & Feeding

Bleak munch on tiny bugs, water fleas, and even small bits of plants floating in the water.

Primary Foods

zooplankton
insect larvae
terrestrial insects
algae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

A favorite meal for larger predatory fish.

eaten by

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

A quick meal for this speedy bird.

eats

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

A tiny floating snack that Bleak loves to eat.

eats

Bloodworm

Chironomus plumosus

Larvae living in mud are a tasty treat.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Insectivorous

Discover clever creatures that specialize in munching on insects, playing a super important role in keeping bug populations in check. They are nature's tiny bug vacuums!