A living encyclopedia of the Danube Delta's extraordinary wildlife — past and present.
Rutilus rutilus
One of the most common freshwater fish in the Danube Delta. Cyprinid with distinctive red fins and characteristic eyes. Important gregarious species in the food chain. Length 35-50 cm, weight 1-2 kg.
Perca fluviatilis
One of the most beautiful predatory fish with distinctive dark vertical stripes and orange-red fins. Active predator hunting in schools. Length 40-50 cm, weight 2-3 kg. Highly valued by sport fishermen.
Carassius gibelio
One of the most adaptable freshwater fish, present in virtually all standing waters. Invasive species introduced in 1912, extremely resilient, can survive extreme conditions. Length 40-45 cm, weight 2-3 kg. Highly appreciated by sport fishermen.
Alosa immaculata
Emblematic anadromous species that migrates in spring from the Black Sea to the Danube for reproduction. Richest in fat fish of its size (up to 26% omega-3). Length 40-50 cm, weight 1-1.5 kg. Vulnerable due to dams and overfishing.
Abramis brama
Characteristic fish with extremely tall, laterally flattened body, resembling a plate. Lives in schools on the bottom of slow waters. Benthic consumer feeding on larvae, worms and mollusks. Length 70-85 cm, weight up to 6-7 kg.
Cyprinus carpio
Valuable species with characteristic barbels, native to the Pontic basin. Omnivore with impressive growth. Length 110-120 cm, weight up to 40 kg. Wild populations in the Danube are vulnerable and protected.
Scardinius erythrophthalmus
Beautiful cyprinid with golden-red fins and upturned mouth. Prefers areas with dense vegetation. Omnivore with preference for plant matter. Length 25-35 cm, weight 0.5-1 kg (up to 2 kg). Important in the food chain.
Silurus glanis
Europe's largest freshwater fish. Impressive nocturnal predator with long barbels. Can reach 3-4 meters and over 100 kg. Exceptional longevity of 50-80 years.
Esox lucius
Iconic ambush predator with elongated body and sharp snout. Incredible burst speed. Length up to 150 cm, weight up to 25 kg. Queen of vegetated waters.
Sander lucioperca
Elite predator with elongated body and powerful canine teeth. Highly efficient nocturnal hunter. Superior quality white meat. Length 70-100 cm, weight 5-10 kg.
Alburnus alburnus
Small silver fish living in enormous surface shoals. Essential link in the Delta food chain. Excellent water quality indicator. Length 15-25 cm.
Ballerus sapa
Rare cyprinid endemic to the Ponto-Aralo-Caspian basin. Prefers flowing waters with current. Recognized by its characteristically large eyes. Length 20-35 cm.
Blicca bjoerkna
The "little sister" of the common bream. Extremely abundant in lakes and ponds. Essential intermediate species in the Delta food chain. Length 15-30 cm.
Barbus barbus
Robust fish with four distinctive barbels. Prefers flowing waters with stony bottoms. One of the strongest fighting freshwater fish. Length 40-100 cm.
Tinca tinca
The "doctor fish" of freshwaters - covered in protective mucus. Extremely resistant to low oxygen. Prefers muddy waters with dense vegetation. Length 30-60 cm.
Squalius cephalus
Versatile and opportunistic cyprinid recognized by its large head and thick lips. Occupies all water levels. Omnivore adapted to any type of food. Length 30-60 cm.
Aspius aspius
The only true predatory cyprinid in Romanian waters. Spectacular pelagic predator hunting schools of small fish at the surface. Length 80-120 cm.
Gobio gobio
Small fish specialized on sandy bottoms, living in large schools. Emits distinctive squeaking sounds — they "talk" to each other! Essential prey for otters and kingfishers. Length 8-15 cm.