| Family: |
Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae |
| Max. size: |
40 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish, potamodromous |
| Distribution: |
Europe and Asia: Caspian (mostly western to southern coast, rarely found in Ural and Volga). Populations from Aral Sea basin might belong to this species (Ref. 59043). Reported from the Black Sea basin (Ref. 58342). |
| Diagnosis: |
Vertebrae: 42-45. Diagnosed from its congeners in Caspian and Black Sea basin by having the following characters: anal fin origin about 1½ -2½ scales behind last branched dorsal ray; lateral line with 54-65 + 4-5 scales; anal fin rays with 13-15½ branched rays; 18-23 gill rakers; ventral keel exposed for 8-12 scales in front of anus (up to almost 80% of distance between anus and pelvic base); head length 20-24% SL; predorsal length 52-56% SL; caudal peduncle depth 1.9-2.4 times in its length; nuptial males with few, large tubercles; lacking dark midlateral stripe. Morphology is variable which has been considered to be an adaptation to different habitats, but data suggest that this is probably due to several species being confused under this species (Ref. 59043). |
| Biology: |
Inhabit lower reaches of rives, coastal lakes, estuaries, and brackish areas of sea. Occur close to surface and tolerate salinities up to 14 ppt. Adults predominantly prey on planktonic crustaceans, terrestrial insects and small fish while larvae and young juveniles feed on zooplankton, algae and insect larvae. Spawn in small rivers or streams with heavy current on gravel bottom. Landlocked populations found in reservoirs spawn in reservoir tributaries (Ref. 59043). Eastern populations migrate upstream for spawning (Ref. 13696). Males assemble and wait at the spawning grounds for ripe females, which arrive later. Deposit sticky eggs which adhere on pebbles or stones. Embryonic development lasts 2-3 days, with larvae first staying among gravel for 8-11 days, then actively migrating to shallows and backwaters. Adults migrate back to sea, lakes or estuaries soon after spawning to forage. Young juvenile undertake downriver migration in autumn of same year or next spring. Due to dam constructions, almost all long-distance migrating populations lost as they were unable to reach spawning sites. Survive in small water courses and as landlocked populations in some reservoirs. Populations are expected to decline and to further decline due to expanding hydroelectric development and strong ecological impacts on Caspian sea (Ref. 59043). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
Source and more info: www.fishbase.org. For personal, classroom, and other internal use only. Not for publication.
