Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Neopterygii
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Pelecus
- Species
- cultratus
Habitat
Ziege primarily inhabit large rivers, lakes, and brackish seas such as the Black, Caspian, and Aral basins. They prefer open water with moderate currents and depths, often in areas rich in plankton. This species is found in freshwater and slightly saline environments across Europe and Asia.
Diet
Ziege mainly feed on zooplankton, small insects, and occasionally small fish or plant matter. They are filter feeders that swim with their mouths open to strain food from the water. Feeding activity peaks during the day in schools.
Behavior
Ziege are highly schooling fish that form large groups to evade predators and forage efficiently. They are diurnal, active during the day for feeding and migrating, and tend to rest in deeper waters at night. This species exhibits seasonal migrations to spawning grounds and can be territorial around food sources.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by IUCN.