Alburnus albidus (Costa, 1838)
Italian bleak
photo by Porcellotti, S.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  11 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.80000019073486 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 8 - 25
Distribution:  Europe: Southern Italy from Trigno to Basento drainages (Adriatic basin) and from Volturno to Alento drainages (Tyrrhenian basin). Introduced in several southern Italian drainages.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from congeners in the Apennine and Balkan peninsulas by having the following characters: anal fin origin immediately behind or below last branched dorsal ray; anal fin with 11-13½ branched rays; lateral line with 39-45 + 3 scales; 13-18 gill rakers; ventral keel exposed from anus to pelvic base; faint dark lateral stripe when preserved; pectoral fin reaching pelvic fin base; and mouth terminal (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Occurs in lentic waters on low-lying plains, with little current (Ref. 26100). Inhabits well oxygenated, clear montane and hilly streams and small rivers. Feeds on drifting insects or invertebrates fallen on waters surface. Threatened due to the pollution, impoundment of streams and invasion by non-native species (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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