How does it look?

Common bleak is a small freshwater fish found in Latvia, growing up to 17 cm and weighing up to 70 g. It has a slender and laterally compressed body, with an upward and forward-directed mouth. The back of the bleak is bluish-green, and the sides and belly exhibit a silvery color. This fish is characterized by large eyes and fine scales that can easily detach from the skin. Along the midline of the belly, between the anal and ventral fins, there is a sharp, keel-like ridge that is uncovered by scales.

Where does it live?

Common bleak is commonly found in many rivers and lakes in Latgale. However, it is typically absent in small or heavily overgrown, especially closed lakes. This fish tends to feed in large schools, particularly in areas with slow currents.

What does it eat?

Common bleak primarily feeds on zooplankton, insects that have fallen into the water, and benthos, which refers to a community of organisms living at the bottom of water bodies, on the substrate, and on underwater objects.

Interesting and important facts

Common bleak attains reproductive maturity at the age of 1-6 years, typically when reaching a length of 6-10 cm. In Latvia, their spawning period occurs from June to July. Hybridization is observed with other fish species such as roach, perch, bream, ruffe, ide, and white bream.

Anglers primarily use bleak as baitfish, but they are also caught in fishing competitions.

Information sources: https://www.latvijasdaba.lv, Wikipedia

Image author: Anastasija Ovsepjana