Squalius squalus (Bonaparte, 1837)
photo by Bogutskaya, N.G. / Zupančič, P.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  60 cm SL (male/unsexed); max. reported age: 15 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea basins, from Genova to southernmost Italy, Ionian Sea basin in southern Italy (Sini and Basento drainages), Adriatic basin from Ofanto drainage (southern Italy) to Skadar and Ohrid basins.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Inhabits mainly small rivers and streams with riffles and pools. May be confined to very small pools during summer. Also found along shores of slowly flowing lowland rivers, even in very small mountain streams and in large lakes, undertaking spawning migrations to inflowing streams or spawning in very shallow water, over stones close to surf zones. Feeding larvae and juveniles occur in very shallow shoreline habitats. Juveniles are gregarious while adults are more solitary. Feeds on various aquatic and terrestrial animal and plant material. Large individuals feed mainly on fishes. Breeds in shallow riffles with fast-flowing water. Often forms hybrids with Alburnus arborella and Alburnus albidus. Attains up to at least 60 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 December 2023 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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