tärpähteiden

Tärpähteiden is a Finnish term that refers to a category of small, brightly colored freshwater fish belonging to the cyprinid family, specifically within the subfamily Leuciscinae. These fish are characterized by their small size, often reaching only a few centimeters in length, and their often iridescent scales that can flash with vibrant colors, particularly in sunlight. They are commonly found in shallow, clear waters such as streams, rivers, and lakes across Finland and other parts of Northern Europe.

The diet of tärpähteiden typically consists of small invertebrates, insect larvae, and algae. They play an important role in their aquatic ecosystems as a food source for larger predatory fish and birds, and also by controlling populations of smaller organisms. Due to their small size and less commercially significant catch, they are not a primary target for fishing but are often caught incidentally. Their presence is generally an indicator of a healthy freshwater environment.