The Channel Minnow (Phoxinus phoxinus), formerly Common or Eurasian Minnow, was for a considerable period of time treated as the only European member of the genus Phoxinus. However, at least 23 distinct mitochondrial lineages and 14 valid species have been identified in the region since the mid-2000s. This diversity is likely to increase further, as comprehensive information for all major European river systems has not yet been compiled. Moreover, additional sampling plus morphological analyses are required to corroborate some putative species divisions which are currently supported only by inconclusive nuclear data (Denys et al. 2020, Palandačić et al. 2017, 2020, 2022, Bogutskaya et al. 2023).

Taxonomic determination has been further hampered by natural phenotypic variability within the different lineages, plus their disparate geographic distributions which do not generally reflect patterns observed in related European fish genera. Furthermore, anthropogenic translocations linked to recreational fisheries have in some cases led to uncertainty regarding native range boundaries and driven introgressive hybridisation between congeners (Museth et al. 2007, Knebelsberger et al. 2015, Miró and Ventura 2015, Ramler et al. 2017, Vucić et al. 2018, Corral-Lou et al. 2019, Palandačić et al. 2020, 2022, De Santis et al. 2021).

As a result of the increasing species diversity, much of the published literature referring to Phoxinus phoxinus in fact pertains to other taxa and should therefore be reviewed with due care.

Although this species' population trend may be decreasing due to habitat degradation, there is no evidence that the rate of decline approaches the minimum threshold for Vulnerable under Criterion A (≥ 30% over the longer of 10 years or three generations). It does not approach the range thresholds for Vulnerable under Criterion B1 (extent of occurrence (EOO) < 20,000 km^²) or D2, and Criterion B2 is precluded by its uncertain area of occupancy (AOO). The population size is believed to exceed 10,000 mature individuals, hence it does not approach the thresholds for Criteria C or D. There exists no quantitative analysis which would permit application of Criterion E.

Therefore, the Loire Minnow does not currently meet the thresholds for any Red List criteria, and it is assessed as Least Concern.

This species is endemic to central-western France, where it is present from Brittany to the Charente River, including the Loire and Sèvre Niortaise river systems.

Introduced subpopulations are present in some tributaries of the Garonne and Rhône river systems located adjacent to the Loire, e.g., the Boralde de Flaujac and Chassezac rivers.

This species' population size is unknown, but is likely to exceed the minimum threshold for Red List criteria (< 10,000 mature individuals). The current population trend has not been quantified, and the number of subpopulations is unclear.

It may have declined locally in some parts of the upper Loire catchment (see 'Threats'), but reportedly remains common throughout much of the system.

This small-bodied, gregarious species is present throughout the Loire system, but is most frequently-encountered in upland rivers and streams.

It demonstrates a preference for relatively shallow pools and glides with well-oxygenated, clear water and slow to moderate water movement, but may move to deeper areas during cold periods.

It mostly feeds on aquatic invertebrates, supplemented by smaller quantities of organic detritus and plant material.

Adult individuals reach sexual maturity at age 1-2+. The annual reproductive period extends from April to June, but may commence several weeks later and continue until July or August at higher altitudes. This species is a fractional, polygamous spawner, and older individuals tend to spawn earlier in the season. Spawning behaviour is characterised by mature adults migrating short distances to specific sites, usually comprising beds of aquatic vegetation or well-washed gravel. Reproductive males develop a conspicuous epigamic colour pattern, and often aggregate in the vicinity of spawning sites prior to the arrival of females. Epidermal breeding tubercles appear on the head in both sexes, but are more prominent in males.

This species is plausibly threatened by river regulation and other forms of anthropogenic habitat degradation, particularly in the upper part of the Loire system. In particular, the construction of large dams plus smaller sills, weirs and other barriers throughout its range has altered natural flow and sedimentation regimes and may have blocked migration routes, fragmented subpopulations, and reduced the extent of suitable habitat for all life stages. Some stretches may also have been damaged by the industrial extraction of gravel and other sediments for urban development.

The discharge of diffuse and point-source domestic, agricultural, and industrial wastes has driven significant nitrogen and phosphorus pollution throughout the Loire over the past century, although pressure from urban centres has decreased significantly since implementation of the European Union's Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (see 'Conservation').

In the future, some effects of climate change such as increased water temperature or longer periods of low discharge during summer could exacerbate water quality issues, e.g., eutrophication.

This species is sometimes utilised as live bait by recreational anglers, but is not otherwise used or traded.

Parts of the Loire River Valley are designated as an UNESCO World Heritage site for natural values and a French regional natural park, while c. 25% of the entire catchment comprises sites included in the European Union's Natura 2000 network.

Some subpopulations may have benefitted from improvements in habitat and water quality associated with implementation of the European Union Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, particularly efforts to restore fluvial connectivity through barrier removal or the creation of fishways.

A deeper understanding of its population trend, current distribution and life history, particularly the identification of key spawning sites, would likely prove useful should dedicated management efforts be deemed necessary in the future.