Squalius squalus can grow to a maximum length that exceed 60 cm (24 in) and 3 kg (6.5 lb), and has been known to live for fifteen years.

[2] It has a long head, a large eye with an orange-tinged iris, a pointed snout, a long, slightly curved, obliquely sloping mouth cleft, a projecting upper jaw and a lower jaw that is shorter or equal in length to the depth of the caudal peduncle.

[1] Juvenile Squalius squalus are gregarious and are found in the shallows of streams, rivers and lakes.

[2] Sexual maturity is reached in the second year of life in both sexes and breeding takes place between April and July.

[4] The males congregate in spawning grounds such as gravelly areas at the edges of lakes, shallow riffles or fast-flowing water.