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.

Global and European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

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 km²) or D2, and Criterion B2 is precluded by its uncertain area of occupancy (AOO). The population size is understood 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 Languedoc Minnow does not currently meet the thresholds for any Red List criteria, and it is assessed as Least Concern both globally and for the EU 27 member states.

This species is native to rivers draining to the Mediterranean Sea in France, where its range extends southward from the Rhône River to the Ravaner River.

It might also be native to northeastern Spain, where it is present from the Muga River south to the Llobregat River, and in two major tributaries of the Segre River in the Ebro River system.

Elsewhere, it has been introduced to the Roya River (Ligurian Sea basin, France and Italy), Sieg River (lower Rhine River, Germany), and a series of small alpine lakes in the upper Po River (Italy).

This species' population size is unknown, but is understood 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.

Field observations indicate that it remains abundant where favourable habitat conditions exist, although declines in abundance have been documented throughout parts of its range since at least the mid-20^th century, e.g., the lower Rhône River, France.

This small-bodied, gregarious species occurs at a range of altitudes, but is most frequently-encountered in upland rivers, streams, spring outflows and oligotrophic lakes and is generally absent from large and deep lowland river channels.

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

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.

Construction of dams, sills, weirs and other barriers throughout this species' range has altered natural flow and sedimentation regimes, fragmented subpopulations and plausibly reduced the extent of suitable habitat for all life stages throughout much of this species' range. Habitat quality has been further diminished by the industrial extraction of gravel and other sediments for urban development, plus flood mitigation or water abstraction schemes such as bank stabilisation and channelisation. Some spring-fed streams in France are tapped for domestic or commercial water supply.

At some locations, it is further threatened by diffuse and point-source agricultural, domestic or industrial pollution. 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, or otherwise reduce the extent of suitable habitat.

Some subpopulations may be threatened by the introduction of predatory non-native fish species such as Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). At some locations restocking with hatchery-reared Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) may represent a threat due to the risk of over-predation or the transmission of non-native diseases or parasites.

Outside of its native range, it is itself considered to represent a plausible threat to native congeners due to the potential for introgressive hybridisation.

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

This species is present within the boundaries of two national parks and various other protected areas, some of which are 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, such as 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.