Common Nase

Common Nase
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cypriniformes
Family:	Cyprinidae
Genus:	Chondrostoma
Species:	C. nasus
Binomial name
Chondrostoma nasus (Linnaeus, 1758)

The Common Nase is a potamodromous fish found in the basins of the Meuse, Rhine and Danube rivers. It is often simply called "the nase", but that can refer to any species of its genus Chondrostoma. Another local name is sneep.

Vital statistics

Nases have a spindle shaped physique, with a blue-grey metallic-coloured scales and orange tail. It has relatively sharp lower lip. Generally, the fish range from 25 to 40 centimetres in length, and weigh about 1000 grams. However, specimens have been recorded up to 50 cm long and 1.5 kg in weight. The maximum recorded life span of the fish is 15 years.

Biology

This gregarious species is found in deep water with a fast current, often in the back waters of bridges or in rocky outcrops. It feeds on algae. Nase fish on the whole stay in shoals.

Protection

The nase is protected by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats.

References

• World Conservation Monitoring Centre (1996). Chondrostoma nasus. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.

External links

• Nase, from Fishbase