Telestes muticellus (Bonaparte, 1837)
Telestes muticellus
photo by Porcellotti et al.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  17 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Adriatic basin from Brenta to Vomano drainages (Italy, Switzerland); Tyrrhenian basin from Bevera (French-Italian border) to Volturno drainages (Italy). Introduced to Liguria and southern Italy.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: conspicuous black midlateral stripe and conspicuous black line along lateral line in preserved individuals; in life, broad gold-orange stripe; lateral line yellow, bordered on echo side by a narrow black line; 43-49 + 2-3 scales along lateral line; 3½ scale rows between lateral line and pelvic origin; anal fin with 8½ branched rays; tip of snout rounded, snout projecting beyond tip of upper lip; and eye diameter 3.3-3.6 times in HL (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Occurs in main rivers and small streams (Ref. 45688). Prefers to inhabit streams of piedmont and hilly areas, with moderately cold water, but may be found in most habitats. Feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates, also on epilithic algae. Spawns in areas with swift, shallow waters (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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