Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum (Collares-Pereira, 1980)
photo by Ribeiro, F.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  15.1 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Portugal in Sado, Lizandro, Samarra, Colares and Ossos drainages, south bank tributaries of Tagus. Reported from the Iberian Peninsula in Portugal and Spain (Ref. 119049).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 6-8; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 6-8. Diagnosis: Lateral line scales (43)45-49(51); above lateral line (9.5)10-11(10.5); right pharyngeal teeth 5-6 (Ref. 55426). Differs from its congeners by having eye diameter greater than snout length, usually 43-47 + 2-3 scales on lateral line and 3½-5 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin (Ref. 59043). Description: Body relatively narrow, moderately laterally compressed body with rounded abdomen. Head relatively small, with length 20.54-25.28% in standard length; head depth about 1.6 times greater than caudal peduncle depth. Eyes are small and with inferior arched mouth, without a conspicuous horny blade on lower lip. Dorsal and anal fins similar in size, generally with 7 branched rays in dorsal and 7 or 8 in anal, both with slightly convex profile; origin of dorsal fin located above end of pelvic fins or slightly posterior to this; caudal fin with slightly rounded lobes. Scales numerous and of medium-size, with distinct and complete lateral line; small and numerous gill rakers, along entire gill arch; 6/5 or 6/6 smooth and knife-shaped pharyngeal teeth, in one row (Ref. 55426).
Biology:  Found in coastal rivers and terminal segments of main rivers (Ref. 26100). Occurs in middle and lower reaches of streams, with slow current and underwater vegetation. Forms large spawning aggregations (Ref. 59043). Threatened due to habitat destruction (Ref. 26100).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (A2ce) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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