Telestes polylepis Steindachner, 1866

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  15 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: known only from Croatia in Stajnicka Jaruga. Historical records from Zagorska Dreznica, Dobra and Mreznica drainages not confirmed.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: conspicuous black midlateral stripe in preserved individuals; 67-79 (usually 68-75) scales along lateral line; anal fin with 8½ branched rays; 6-7 gill rakers; and caudal peduncle depth 2.1-2.7 times in its length (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Found in water courses at high altitudes and on the lowland rivers, with little current (Ref. 26100). Also occurs in clear streams and springs. Enters subterranean waters during winter or droughts. Omnivorous. Threatened due to water abstraction, pollution and introduction of Salmo trutta. Considered on the very edge of extinction, with a single small population known (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered (CR); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 (B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v)) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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