Minnow
Phoxinus phoxinus
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoxinus_phoxinus
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Order
Cypriniformes
Family
Cyprinidae
Genus
Phoxinus
Minnow belongs to the family Cyprinidae, order Cypriniformes, within the unknown class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
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.
Climate change altering water temperature and flow regimes
Habitat fragmentation and stream channelization
Water pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development
Dam construction and river modification
Introduction of non-native fish species and competition
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/minnow