Barbus caninus Bonaparte, 1839

Family:  Cyprinidae (Minnows or carps), subfamily: Barbinae
Max. size:  25 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 5 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Adriatic basin, between Marecchia and Brenta drainages (Italy, Switzerland). Introduced in Arno and Ombrone drainages in Italy. Previously misidentified as Barbus meridionalis. Records of Barbus caninus from Soca refer to Barbus balcanicus.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-8. Diagnosed from its congeners in Apennine Peninsula by having the following characters: 36-47 + 2-3 scales on lateral line; 22-24 scale rows around caudal peduncle; back, sides and fins speckled with large, irregular black spots and blotches; peritoneum black; last simple dorsal ray flexible, not serrated posteriorly; lower lip produced posteriorly into a median lobe (Ref. 59043). Fins are thick and fleshy; caudal fin lobes are rounded (Ref. 31730).
Biology:  Tends to inhabit strong currents around or under stones (Ref. 31730). Occurs in streams with swift water in hilly, sub-alpine areas. Preys on benthic invertebrates. Spawns in areas with fast-flowing water on gravel bottom. Still commonly found in suitable habitats, but number of spawning grounds has decline sharply (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A2ace) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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