The bleak occurs in Europe and Western Asia: north of the Caucasus, Pyrenees, and Alps, and eastward toward the Volga basin in northern Iran and north-western Turkey.

It is absent from Iberian and Apennine peninsulas, from the rivers of Adriatic watershed on the Balkans and most of British Isles except southeast England.

The bleak prefers open waters and is found in large numbers where an inflow of food from pumping stations or behind weirs occurs.

Its spawning period takes place from April to June when the water temperature ranges between 14 and 15 °C (approximately 58 °F).

Males undergo changes during the spawning season, developing nuptial tubercles on their backs and flanks, while their fins take on an orange hue.

It is also possible for hybridization to occur between the Common Bleak and other cyprinid fish species, such as Chub, Roach, Rudd, or Bream.