Spirlin

Alburnoides bipunctatus

Also known as: European Spirlin, Riffle Minnow, Bystranka, Schneider

About This Species

A small, slender freshwater fish found in clear, fast-flowing rivers and streams across much of Europe, typically in shoals over gravel or sandy bottoms where it feeds on small invertebrates. It is best observed by looking into clear, shallow riffle sections in daylight, where its silvery body with a faint dark lateral line and shimmering scales can be seen among the current. Shoals are most visible in summer when water levels are lower and clarity is highest.

Ethical Viewing Guidelines

Quiet observation from the bank or shallow wading without disturbing the streambed is enough to watch shoals without scattering them, since sudden movement or silt disturbance will send fish for cover.
Freshwater fish protections vary across the many European countries within its range, with some populations regionally protected or in decline, so check local rules before any wading or netting.
Avoiding disturbance of gravel beds, which many stream fish and their food sources depend on, benefits the wider habitat.

LCCypriniformesCyprinidae

Seasonal Activity

207,956 sightings · 2000–2026

Citizen science records via GBIF

All monthsThis month

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Order: Cypriniformes
Family: Cyprinidae

Photo

CC-BY-NC-4.0

Occurrence data from GBIF.