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FISH GUIDE · Freshwater

Sichel: identification, habitat and fishing guide

Pelecus cultratus

Sichel is a pelagic Eurasian leuciscid. This sheet covers identification and protection under the general rules of Upper Austria, where it is protected throughout the year; no targeted fishing is proposed.

Catalogue names : Sichel. Forms and names may vary between habitats.

Editorial review : · This species guide is not permission to fish. Read the precautions below and check the current rules for your location before targeting a species. Some species or populations are protected.

Geographical distribution

Black, Caspian and Aral Sea basins, and the Baltic basin, notably from the Vistula to the Neva.

  • Documented presence : Vistula basin
  • Documented presence : Neva basin
  • Documented presence : Black Sea basins

Documented areas, not an exhaustive list. Presence in a region does not imply presence in every water body or permission to fish.

Distribution sources

Identification

Oblique mouth, wavy lateral line.

The Upper Austrian federation also describes a keeled belly, large pectoral fins and a dorsal fin starting above the origin of the anal fin.

Habitat

Lower rivers and brackish estuarine waters.

The Upper Austrian account lists slow Danube reaches and shallow lowland lakes, including Neusiedler See.

Diet

Zooplankton, terrestrial invertebrates and small fish.

Behaviour

Adults gather in shoals.

Indicative biological size

Commonly 25 cm total length.

Fishing context and precautions

Upper Austria, general rules: Pelecus cultratus is protected throughout the year. No targeting, holding alive or retention; an incidental capture must be released immediately with the greatest care. Check the venue’s specific regulations. Planning to release it does not permit targeting.

A distinctive feature

Young may enter estuaries.

Sources and review

Each reference includes its access date. Overall editorial review: . Local conditions and regulations may change.

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