Luciobarbus microcephalus (Almaça, 1967)
Luciobarbus microcephalus
photo by Ribeiro, F.

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Barbinae
Max. size:  40.3 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Guadiana drainage in Spain & Portugal; records from the middle Tago in Spain need verification (Ref. 59043).
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Iberian Peninsula by having the following characters: lateral line with 45-50 + 3 scales; last simple ray spinous, strong, serrated posteriorly along most of its length; posterior edge of dorsal strongly concave, upper part about perpendicular to dorsal profile when fin is stretched; head length 22-27% SL; lower lip thin, lacking median lobe or pad; and lower jaw tip exposed, not covered by lower lip (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits middle course of large, deep rivers with slow current (Ref. 59043). Also occurs in water bodies on low-lying plains, with little current. Feeds on invertebrates and plants (Ref. 26100) and detritus (Ref. 59043). Threatened by habitat destruction, pollution and introduction of other species (Ref. 26100). Size reaches up to about 40 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A2ce+3ce) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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