Scardinius knezevici Bianco & Kottelat, 2005

Family:  Leuciscidae (Minnows), subfamily: Leuciscinae
Max. size:  29.5 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 364.2 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  Europe: Lakes Ohrid (Macedonia, Albania) and Skadar (Montenegro, Albania).
Diagnosis:  Distinguished from other species of the genus by having shallow body, with depth from slightly more (in large specimens) to slightly less than head length, and usually 36-38 lateral line scales (range 35-39). Diagnosed further by the following combination of characters (none of them unique to the species): uniform silvery body coloration with a crescentic dark mark on each scale pocket, more or less evident in preserved specimens; 9 branched anal-fin rays; and 11-12 total gill rakers (Ref. 55977). Differs from its congeners in Balkan Peninsula by the combination of the following characters: 34-37 + 2-3 scales along lateral line; anal fin with 9½ branched rays; 10-12 gill rakers; back humped behind nape; articulation of lower jaw in front of anterior margin of eye; eye not close to dorsal head profile when viewed laterally; and all fins greyish (Ref. 59043).
Biology:  Occurs in lakes (Ref. 55977). Inhabits deep pools and canals in swampy areas along lake shores or in floodplain. Breeds in April-May. Attains a maximum size of about 26 cm SL (Ref. 59043).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 08 March 2011 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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