Achondrostoma occidentale (Robalo, Almada, Sousa Santos, Moreira & Doadrio, 2005)

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  9.5 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Alcabrichel, Sizandro and Safarujo drainages in Estremadura, Portugal (Ref. 55625). Reported from Iberian Peninsula, Spain (Ref. 119049).
Diagnosis:  Belongs to the Chondrostoma arcasii - C. oligolepis species group characterized by lack of horny blade on the lower lip and having a lateral line scale which is much lower than other bladeless species of Chondrostoma. Distinguished from C. arcasii and C. oligolepis by the following combination of characters: 40-43 canaliculate scales on the lateral line; 6-7 scales above the lateral line; 2-3 scales below the lateral line. Axillary pelvic scale shorter than or equal to the insertion of the pelvic fin; and the coronoid process of the dentary is very thick (Ref. 55625). Diagnosed from its congeners by the possession of the following characters: lateral line usually with 37-41 + 2-3 scales; 3-4 (modally 3) scale rows between lateral line and pelvic fin origin; 14 circumpeduncular scale rows; eye diameter greater than snout length; snout usually pointed, conical; and ventral profile of head without marked angle at articulation of lower jaw (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Found in small coastal streams that have a greatly reduced water flow in the dry summer period (Ref. 55625). During dry summer time, fish become concentrated in a few pools seeking shelter in shady areas under the cover of vegetation (Ref. 55625). Occur in lower stretches of rivers. Threatened due to pollution, intensive agriculture and water abstraction. Size reaches up to at least 9.5 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 (B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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