Minnow
CR

Minnow

Phoxinus phoxinus

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoxinus_phoxinus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The European minnow faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in freshwater systems. Pollution from agricultural runoff, urban development, and climate-induced changes to stream temperatures and flow patterns have significantly reduced suitable habitat availability. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but multiple threats continue to impact remaining populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cool, well-oxygenated streams, rivers, and lakes with gravel or rocky substrates, typically in upland and mountainous regions. Prefers clear waters with moderate to fast flow rates and abundant aquatic vegetation or overhanging cover.

FRESHWATER· majorFRESHWATER· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Minnow classified as Critically Endangered?
Minnow is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The European minnow faces severe population declines across its range due to habitat degradation and water quality deterioration in freshwater systems. Pollution from agricultural runoff, urban development, and climate-induced changes to stream temperatures and flow patterns have significantly reduced suitable habitat availability. Conservation status may vary by region or assessment authority, but multiple threats continue to impact remaining populations.
Where does Minnow live?
Minnow occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Minnow?
The main threats to Minnow are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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