This is the fifth part of a Series of UK Native fish which i'm going to share with all the members of MFK.
Weight : Rarely 1.4kg (3lb), very few over 1.8kg (4lb).
Length : Rarely exceed 40cm.
Age : Maximum 15 years.
Location : Rivers, streams.
Behaviour : Shoaling, often in large numbers.
Preferred habitat : Fast flow over gravel, oxygen-rich clear water.
Feeding All year, remain active at low temperatures.
Natural food : Insect larvae, aerial insects.
Maturity : 3-4 years.
Fecundity : 10,000 eggs in large females.
Spawning times : March-May.
Spawning : On gravel.
Migratory habits : Large home range.
Predators : Pike
The 'Lady of the Stream' is rightly regarded by aficionados as 'the 4th game fish'. The adipose fin and other aspects of it's biology define it as a game fish. It is included here for a few reasons
An attractive fish of unpolluted, fast-flowing streams and shallow rivers. Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from Ireland but introduced and established in S Scotland. Has large and diagnostic dorsal fin and small adipose fin, a character shared by members of salmon family. Apart from fin, outline streamlined and rather trout-like. Often lives in shoals.
View attachment 1118450
Weight : Rarely 1.4kg (3lb), very few over 1.8kg (4lb).
Length : Rarely exceed 40cm.
Age : Maximum 15 years.
Location : Rivers, streams.
Behaviour : Shoaling, often in large numbers.
Preferred habitat : Fast flow over gravel, oxygen-rich clear water.
Feeding All year, remain active at low temperatures.
Natural food : Insect larvae, aerial insects.
Maturity : 3-4 years.
Fecundity : 10,000 eggs in large females.
Spawning times : March-May.
Spawning : On gravel.
Migratory habits : Large home range.
Predators : Pike
The 'Lady of the Stream' is rightly regarded by aficionados as 'the 4th game fish'. The adipose fin and other aspects of it's biology define it as a game fish. It is included here for a few reasons
An attractive fish of unpolluted, fast-flowing streams and shallow rivers. Widespread and locally common in England and Wales; absent from Ireland but introduced and established in S Scotland. Has large and diagnostic dorsal fin and small adipose fin, a character shared by members of salmon family. Apart from fin, outline streamlined and rather trout-like. Often lives in shoals.
View attachment 1118450