Telestes fontinalis (Karaman, 1972)
Spring pijor
photo by Zupančič, P. / Bogutskaya, N.G.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  9.3 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: karstic streams and springs in Krbava polje, Croatia.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 39-41. Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: very thin and not overlapping scales; skin not thickened, scales clearly visible, covering whole body, often narrowly to widely separated in particular in pre-pelvic area; conspicuous broad dark midlateral stripe from eye to end of caudal peduncle within pigmented area on back and flank; dorsal and anal fins with 7½ branched rays; snout stout, markedly rounded, mouth subterminal; and short, interrupted lateral line, usually with 23-37 pored scales, ending in area between pectoral and anal (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits streams and springs with clear water. Occurs in subterranean water during winter or droughts. Threatened due to water abstraction and introduction of Salmo trutta and Oncorhynchus mykiss (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B1ab(i,ii,iv)+2ab(i,ii,iv)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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