If you know of a better fish pun, let minnow. It’s an old one, but a good one, and a reminder that there are many smaller species of fish in Derbyshire’s rivers that are important. Whilst huge Barbel, Trout & the rare Salmon may take the headlines, there are a number of small species of fish that are very important to the river Ecosystem. Minnows, Bullheads & Lampreys are all present in Derbyshires rivers. These small creatures are important, not only because they can become food for larger species but because a healthy river habitat should have a diverse range of species.
The Lamprey for example requires good water quality and spawning habitat, a decline in lamprey could indicate degradation in these two areas. The bullhead which is found under the stones and rocks of our rivers is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, so any habitat work that maintains instream flow, and keeps gravel and rocks free from silting up may benefit these small fish. Minnows are a huge food source for larger fish, most predatory fish will feed on them whenever they can, so they are a very important food source for fish stocks.