Pelasgus laconicus (Kottelat & Barbieri, 2004)
Evrotas minnow
photo by Vardakas L., Tachos V., Zogaris S. and Economou A.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  4.73 cm SL (male/unsexed); 6.02 cm SL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Evrotas and upper main Alphios basin in Greece.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal soft rays (total): 10-10; Anal soft rays: 8-8; Vertebrae: 34-35. Diagnosis: Scales in midlateral row 44-48 + 1-2; pored lateral line scales 0-8; head and snout stout and rounded; branched anal fin rays 6-61/2; scale rows on caudal peduncle usually 1/2 10 1/2 ; scale pockets much developed, exposed, covering about half of the exposed scale area; general coloration dark brown, with numerous melanophores on flank, more or less organized in small spots, and denser near midlateral stripe, which appears with somewhat fuzzy edges (Ref. 52474). Description: Dorsal fin with 3 simple and 7 1/2 branched rays; anal fin with 2 simple and 6-6 1/2 branched rays (Ref. 52474)
Biology:  Found in springs and spring-fed creeks and in the mainstream of Evrotas and upper main Alphios. Occurs in shallow areas, with slow or no current, close to the shore, among overhanging roots and dense vegetation. Feeds on variety of plants, insects and microcrustaceans. Attains maturity in the second year of life and spawns between mid-March and June (Ref. 52474).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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