Squalius aphipsi (Aleksandrov, 1927)
Aphips chub
Squalius aphipsi
photo by Pashkov, A.N.

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  16 cm SL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Kuban drainage from Adagum to Laba systems.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosed from its congeners in Black Sea basin by having the following characters: anal fin with 9½ branched rays; 36-41 + 3 scales on lateral line; interorbital distance 32-35% HL; postorbital distance 45-47% HL; eye diameter 22-26% HL, 1.3-1.5 times in snout length; body depth 21-27% SL; a row of black pigment along free margin of each flank scale, forming a regular reticulate pattern; anal and pelvic fins orange to red (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Inhabits piedmont and mountain streams with Mediterranean water regime, strong to moderate current, rock or gravel bottom. Abundant along shores and may be restricted to very small pools during summer. Feeds predominantly on terrestrial insects, benthic invertebrates and algae. Breeds in shallow riffle habitats, with strong current and stone or pebble bottom, at 10-20 cm water depth. Moves downstream in winter to deeper pools and to uppermost stretches of streams in summer (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 01 January 2008 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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