Luciobarbus albanicus (Steindachner 1870)

Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Balkan Peninsula by having the following combination of characters: last simple dorsal ray slender, spinous and serrated posteriorly along half to entire length; posterior margin of dorsal fin straight; lower lip thin, without median lobe in most individuals; thick lips with median lobe in some individuals; 48-55 + 2-3 scales on lateral line; 20-24 scales rows around caudal peduncle; and snout with large tubercles in large individuals (Ref. 59043).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 8

Feeds on plants and zooplankton (Ref. 26100).

A long-lived species which occurs in lentic waters (Ref. 26100). Inhabits lakes and lower course of rivers, with mud to sand bottom. Feeds on algae, plant material, insect larvae and detritus. Spawns in both lakes and their tributaries. Individual females spawn with 3-7 males on sandy beaches, especially near estuaries of tributaries. Larvae and juveniles form small monospecific schools in bays and harbours (Ref. 59043). Threatened due to habitat destruction and pollution (Ref. 26100).

gamefish: yes