Leuciscus merzbacheri (Zugmayer, 1912)
Leuciscus merzbacheri
photo by CAFS

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  24.4 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Asia: Junggar basin in Xinjiang, China.
Diagnosis:  Body color dark gray on back sides, silvery white on lower part and belly; dark gray on dorsal and caudal fins and yellow on pectoral, pelvic and anal fins. Dorsal fin located slightly in rear on body; pectoral and pelvic fins short and small.
Biology:  Lives in upper layer of waters of the plains of cold temperate zone. Often stays in slow-moving rivers, lakes or still waters, moves fast and sprightly (Ref. 45563). Feeds on siliceous algae, filiform algae and aquatic insects (Ref. 45563).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 03 November 2022 (B1ab(iii)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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