Achondrostoma arcasii (Steindachner, 1866)
photo by Delgado Saez, J.A.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  25 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Spain and Portugal in most drainages from Jucar northward and headwaters of Tagus, except northern slope. Introduced in Guadiana drainage.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from its congeners by the possession of the following characters: lateral line usually with 40-45 + 3 scales; 4-5 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic fin origin; 14 circumpeduncular scale rows; eye diameter equal to or greater than snout length; snout rounded, obtuse; and ventral profile of head without marked angle at articulation of lower jaw (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  A short-lived species which lives in lakes and mountain streams, including the middle reaches of rivers (Ref. 11240). Also found in reservoirs in hilly areas. Juveniles occur in shallow areas with slow current and move to deeper and faster waters in late July. Opportunistic feeder, but preying mainly on aquatic invertebrates (Ref. 59043). Threatened due to pollution, habitat destruction and the introduction of other species (Ref. 26100).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A3ce) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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