Chevesne

The chevesne or chevaine ( Leuciscus cephalus ) is a very frequent Poisson of fresh water in Europe. In France, it is widespread on all the territory except the Corsica and the Finistere. One meets it mainly in the rivers of second category as well as the lower zones of the rivers of first category. One can also find it until in the lakes of medium mountains (Lac of Annecy, Lac of Gérardmer…).

scientific Name: Leuciscus cephalus Class Ostéichthyen S, order Cypriniforme S, family Cyprinidé S.
Description: body cylindrical and lengthened with large scales, a head with flat face with a broad mouth, the back is generally dark (gray-black) and the brilliant sides or sometimes slightly gilded. It can reach the size of 80 cm for approximately 4 kg. It is sometimes confused with the Vandoise.
Habitat: mainly in the current rivers, he generally lives between two water. In summer it is often close to surface and close to the banks to research to insects whereas in winter it goes down towards the bottom.
Lifestyle: gregarious fish, moving in bench, often of the same individuals cuts.
Food: omnivore and voracious, it eats practically all that passes in front of its nose: towards, larvae, shellfish, molluscs, insects, small fish, foams of rivers, cherries,…
Reproduction: from April at June according to the temperature of water, the male then has at that time the covered head of small white points.
local Names: pooch (Franche-Comté), miller , black back …

Halieutic interest

Because it is omnivorous and active all the year, this fish can sin itself in various ways: first of all, it is fished in a traditional way to the blow; in summer since it is often close to surface it is interesting to fish it with the fly or then with surprised with a grasshopper, a small cricket, a cherry or a grain of elder tree. At this period (especially after the period of abrasion), it is also current to take it while fishing with the spoon or sharp. At the colder seasons, one can fish it with cheese or then with blood (on the condition of being in good terms with its butcher…).

The defense of the chevesne at the end of the line is generally short and violent at the beginning then it is let bring back easily. Lastly, even if it is often visible in summer the chevesne is a fish very being wary, the fisherman often owes ruser to have chances to capture it.

Culinary interest

The chevesne has a culinary interest limited considering its flesh rather insipid and is filled with edges. For the large specimens, unquestionable irreducible ensure that it is a fish very good to eat since it is stuffed. The small specimens can be eaten in crackling.

See too

List of fish
List of fish of the lakes and rivers used in kitchen

External bonds

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