Biology

A short-lived species which occurs in lakes and water courses on low plains, with little current. Adults feed on invertebrates and plants (Ref. 26100). Also feed on plankton. Form large schools during foraging. Represent the main prey of the breeding Dalmatian pelicans Pelecanus crispus. Spawn in tributaries and along shores on pebbles and gravel in surf zone. Undertake migration to spawning sites in tributaries at night (Ref. 59043). Threatened by water abstraction and the introduction of other species (Ref. 26100).