Scardinius acarnanicus Economidis, 1991
Scardinius acarnanicus
photo by Kommatas, Vardakas & Tachos (HCMR - IIW)

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  38 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 620.0 g; max. reported age: 11 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Lower Acheloos drainage including lakes in Greece.
Diagnosis:  The following unique characters distinguished this species from its congeners in Balkan Peninsula: a dark midlateral stripe in juveniles less than about 7 cm SL and 37- 42 + 2-3 scales along the lateral line. Can be further separated from other species of the genus in Balkan Peninsula by the combination of the following characters: anal fin usually with 10½ branched rays; 13-16 pectoral rays; 12-17 gill rakers; dorsal head profile conspicuously concave, snout pointing upward, tip above level of middle of eye; eye close to or flush with dorsal head profile when viewed laterally; articulation of lower jaw in front of eye margin; and head length 24-30% SL (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits lakes and large rivers. Early larvae and juveniles often form large schools and frequently in association with Tropidophoxinellus hellenicus. Juveniles feed on phytoplankton while adults on macrophytes. Spawns in March-July. Lays adhesive eggs on vegetation which hatch in 5 days (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened (NT); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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