Squalius microlepis Heckel, 1843

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  34 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Prolosko and Ričice basins near Imotski, Matica drainage near Vrgorac in Croatia; Tihaljina and possibly Trebizat (a Neretva tributary) drainages in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Diagnosis:  Differs from its congeners in Western Balkans and Adriatic basin by the following characters: 67-75 scales on lateral line; ½13-15/1/5-6 scales in transverse row from dorsal to pelvic fin origins; 24-26 scales around caudal peduncle; mouth terminal; dorsal fin with 8½ branched rays; and anal fin with 8½ branched rays (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Found in lakes and still water. Adults prey on juvenile fishes. Spawns along lake shores. Threatened due to overfishing (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (EN); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B2ab(ii,iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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