White-eye Bream
Ballerus sapa
Identification
The white-eye bream is a medium-sized cyprinid of 15 to 30 cm with an elongated, strongly compressed body and a notably long anal fin. The eyes are relatively large — the English name refers to the silvery iris. The back is dark grey, the flanks strongly silvery.
Behavior & ecology
A schooling fish in slow-flowing rivers and large canals. Feeds on plankton, small insect larvae, and worms. Originates from the Danube basin, spread westward through Europe's canal network.
In the Netherlands
A recent newcomer via the Rhine and Maas. With 134 records, regularly present in the major rivers. Caught as bycatch when fishing for common bream.
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Seasonal patterns
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Key predictors
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