Alburnus mento (Heckel, 1836)
Alburnus mento
photo by Sallai, Z.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  40 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Subalpine lakes in Danube drainage in Germany and Austria.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from other species of the Alburnus mento species group by having 15-17½ branched anal-fin rays and 21-25 gill rakers; and the ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of the anus; up to almost 90% of the distance between the anus and the pelvic-fin base (Ref. 75106). Differs also from its congeners in Black Sea basin by the following characters: origin of anal fin about 1½ -2½ scales behind last dorsal ray; lateral line with 52-65 + 4 scales; anal fin with 15-17½ branched rays; 21-25 gill rakers; ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of anus (up to almost 90% of distance between anus and pelvic fin base); caudal peduncle depth 1.8-2.4 times in its length; and nuptial males with numerous small tubercles (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabit lakes. Feed on zooplankton. Undertake migration for short distances to lower reaches of tributary streams. Spawn in streams with strong current on gravel bottom, rarely along lake shores. Adults move back to lakes soon after spawning to forage. Larvae migrate downriver soon after hatching (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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