Geographical distribution
Native from the lower Rhine and northern Germany towards southern Baltic, Black Sea and Caspian drainages. Introduced in France and the upper Rhine; this extension must not be presented as wholly natural.
- Native range : Lower Rhine
- Native range : Central and eastern Europe
- Introduction : France
- Introduction : Upper Rhine
Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.
Distribution sources
- FishBase — Leucaspius delineatus : Distribution · accessed on
Identification
Leucaspius delineatus can be compared with bleak by its incomplete lateral line and upturned mouth. A small silvery silhouette alone is insufficient for identification.
Habitat
Slow or standing waters with marginal vegetation, notably ponds, canals and backwaters. Observe from existing access without uprooting plants to reach the shoal.
Diet
Plankton, insect larvae and small invertebrates.
Behaviour
It forms shoals near the surface or in midwater. Its upturned mouth accompanies feeding in the water column; the presence of a shoal does not ensure a bite.
Indicative biological size
6–9 cm as an adult according to OPSN.
Fishing context and precautions
The Mayenne federation describes this pole-fishing method:
1. Prepare a 6/100 mm line, or 0.06 mm, with a size 24 or 26 hook.
2. Group the shot about 10 cm above the hook for a rapid descent to the intended depth.
3. Bait with a bloodworm or pinkie, a small maggot. Adjust the presentation to the observed shoal; this final adaptation is not a universal setting provided by the source.
A distinctive feature
The male guards the eggs until they hatch.
Sources and review
Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.
- OPSN / UFBSN — Able de Heckel · accessed on
- Service Public — Pêche de loisir à la ligne en eau douce · accessed on
- Fédération de pêche de la Mayenne — Able de Heckel, mode de pêche · accessed on
- Fédération de pêche de la Haute-Vienne — Bien manipuler un poisson · accessed on