The Eurasian minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus) is a small, schooling freshwater fish native to rivers, streams, and lakes across Europe and northern Asia. Recognized for its slender body and distinctive dark lateral stripe, the minnow is a crucial forage species in many aquatic ecosystems. While not a primary target for commercial fisheries due to its small size, it is harvested in several countries for use as bait in recreational fishing and, occasionally, for human consumption or aquarium trade. The top Eurasian minnow fishing countries include Russia, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom, where traditional netting and trapping methods are used, particularly in rural areas. These nations have established small-scale industries around the collection, processing, and distribution of minnows, supporting both local economies and the broader recreational fishing sector.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.