Barbus strumicae Karaman, 1955

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Barbinae
Max. size:  24 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 7 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Aegean Sea basin, from Volvi to Nestos drainages in Greece, Macedonia, and Bulgaria.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Balkan Peninsula by having the following characters: last simple dorsal ray spinous, serrated posteriorly; 59-64 + 3-4 scales on lateral line; 13-16 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; 9-11 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic fin origin; anterior scales of flank partly embedded in skin; head, body and fins with conspicuous black dots, smaller than pupil, more or less organized into marbled patches; caudal fin with a few small dots and without distinct black margin; lower lip with a swollen median pad; eye diameter 1.9-2.5 times in snout length; and caudal peduncle depth 1.3-1.7 times in its length (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits streams and rivers, preferring stretches with clear water and riffles. Attains first sexual maturity at 2 years and spawns in June. Deterioration of habitat quality and local overfishing pose threat to its population. Reaches up to about 24 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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