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Zope (blue bream)

Zope

Scientific name: Ballerus ballerus

NativeFreshwater

Behavior

Prefers calm, deeper, slow-flowing waters, occasionally entering Baltic Sea estuaries.

Features

Laterally compressed, silvery-blue, similar to the common bream but more slender. Up to about 45 cm. Considered "critically endangered" in Germany due to river engineering. Known colloquially as "Spitzpleinze" or "Schwuppe".

Distribution

Mainly found in the Weser, lower Elbe, Danube, and tributaries of the North and Baltic Seas. Very rare in Germany.