What is bleek or bleak?

Bleek or bleak is a common freshwater fish found in Europe and Asia. It has a slender body with silvery-grey or greenish-blue scales and a white belly. The average length of a bleek is around 15-30 cm, but they can grow up to 50 cm in length.

Bleek usually live in shallow, slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, canals, and rivers. They are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter.

Bleek have been widely introduced across the world for angling purposes, but their populations have suffered due to habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. They are considered a vulnerable species in some areas.

In traditional European cuisine, bleek is sometimes smoked or pickled and served as a delicacy.