The Common Nase is a potamodromous fish found in the basins of the Meuse, Rhine and Danube rivers. It is often simply called "the nase", but that can refer to any species of its genus Chondrostoma. Another local name is sneep.

Nases have a spindle shaped physique, with a blue-grey metallic-coloured scales and orange tail. It has relatively sharp lower lip. Generally, the fish range from 25 to 40 centimetres in length, and weigh about 1000 grams. However, specimens have been recorded up to 50 cm long and 1.5 kg in weight. The maximum recorded life span of the fish is 15 years.

This gregarious species is found in deep water with a fast current, often in the back waters of bridges or in rocky outcrops. It feeds on algae. Nase fish on the whole stay in shoals.