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Family Carp Cyprinidae
Size 3 1/2 " ( 90 mm)
Description
This fish has one doral fin . In season the male has an irredescent sheen Has pinkish flanks and a blue Green irredescent Strip toward the rear of its flanks. The male is more colourful
Reproduction
This is a small fish with an intinate association with the Freshwater Mussel so that it may reproduce the Female develops a fleshy egg laying tube or ovipositor to insert the eggs into it. The male sperm reaches the eggs via the Mussels own siphon when a large cloud of milt is released in the vicinity.. Eggs hatch 2-3 weeks later wuthin the protection of the Mussel. .The fish gather in groups in sandy places where the bivalve is found
Diet
Feeds on small water creatures , insect larvae and to lesser extent some vegetation
Where to See It
This species is a Continental Species introduced to Britain and seen in the Lake District and NW of England
By George Chernilevsky (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons