Description and characteristics
The vimba bream (Vimba vimba) is a small-to-medium cyprinid with an elongated, laterally compressed body covered with silvery scales. It stands out for its prominent, downward-extended snout and ventral mouth. Colouring is silvery on the flanks with a grey-blue back.
Habitat and distribution
It inhabits the freshwater and brackish waters of the Danube Delta — branches, canals and estuarine areas. It lives in schools and may ascend watercourses to spawn.
Diet and behaviour
It feeds on benthic invertebrates, larvae, molluscs and vegetation, searching food on muddy bottoms. A schooling species, active especially at dawn.
Reproduction
Spawning occurs in spring at 10–14°C, with females laying eggs on hard bottoms. The fry grow moderately.
Economic and ecological importance
The vimba bream has local fishing value, appreciated for its tasty flesh. Ecologically, it contributes to freshwater diversity.
Threats and conservation
It is affected by dams and water pollution. Protecting migration routes and clean habitats is important.
Fishing and legal minimum size
It is caught with a rod and bottom nets. In the table of minimum legal sizes, the vimba bream (Vimba vimba) has a minimum legal size of 25 cm.
Conclusion
The vimba bream is an appreciated schooling cyprinid, important for the biodiversity and fishing of the Danube Delta.