Roger's Angling Pages
Abramis ballerus		Carp family Cyprinidae

Although Abramis ballerus is similar to the Bream, it can be easily distinguished from it. For example its mouth is in a superior rather than inferior position, it has a lower and more elongated body with a longer anal fin, and there are a greater number of scales along its lateral line. It can be found in quiet waters in central and eastern Europe, in the watersheds of the rivers Danube and Volga, where in certain places it appears in large numbers. If dams are constructed on the river, it can adjust itself to the change from running to still water .

Unlike the Bream it feeds mainly on planktonic organisms. It does not achieve large proportions and usually grows to between 20 and 30 cm. It breeds in spring, when the female lays her eggs on submerged plants or the gravelly bottom. The males grow faster than the females and reach a weight of up to 2lb. These fishes commonly live until the age of 10 years but even 17 year old fishes have been caught.