Squalius ghigii (Gianferrari, 1927)
Rhodes minnow
Squalius ghigii
photo by Iliopoulos, A.I.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  6.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); 9 cm SL (female); max. reported age: 3 years
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 7 - 7.5; dH range: 18
Distribution:  Europe: Rhodos Island in Greece. Records from Turkey refer to Ladigesocypris irideus (from Bergama to Dalaman) and Ladigesocypris mermere (Lake Marmara).
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from other cyprinids in southeastern Europe by the possession of the following characters: incomplete lateral line, with perforating 11-17 scales; 27-23 total scales in midlateral row; dorsal fin with 6-8½ branched rays; anal fin with 7-9½ branched rays; broad dark midlateral stripe from head to caudal base, separating dark brown back from white belly (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  A short-lived species which inhabits lakes, rivers, springs, and associated wetlands (Ref. 26100). Found in slow-flowing stretches of streams, especially roots of trees, bank cavities and among vegetation. Larvae occur along banks among vegetation. Feeds on aquatic invertebrates and algae, mainly on plant material in summer. Juveniles and adults die in large number during summer and autumn drought. Spawns among aquatic vegetation, especially filamentous algae. Threatened due to water abstraction in dry season and habitat destruction (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (VU); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (D2) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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