European Minnow
Phoxinus phoxinus
The European Minnow is a small, schooling cyprinid of cool, clear streams, rivers, lakes, and upland pools across much of Europe. It feeds on tiny invertebrates, algae, and detritus, and is often used as livebait where legal, though it is rarely a targeted game fish.
Identification points
- Small, slender minnow with a blunt snout and small terminal mouth
- Silvery flanks with a dark back and a distinct dark lateral stripe
- Breeding males often show reddish fins and a golden flush on the body
Habitat
Cool, well-oxygenated freshwater streams, brooks, headwaters, gravel runs, lake margins, and slow-to-moderate currents with clean substrate and cover from stones or vegetation.
Bait notes
Takes maggots, pinkies, worms, tiny bread bits, breadflake, and very small hooks baited with morsels. Micro spinners, bits of worm, and tiny floats can work, but it is seldom a primary sport species.
Behavior
Forms tight shoals, stays close to cover, and feeds by picking small insects, crustaceans, algae, and organic particles from the water column and bottom. Spawns in spring and early summer over gravel or plants.
Caution
Check local rules before using it as livebait or transporting it; it may be protected or regulated in some waters. No notable food-safety issue for its small size, but it is generally too small to eat.
Fishing notes
Fish light tackle with small hooks, fine line, and a float to present bait naturally near the shoal. Best approached quietly in clear water; in many places it is mainly caught incidentally while fishing for trout or coarse species.