Telestes souffia (Risso 1827)

Diagnosed from its congeners by having the following characters: conspicuous black midlateral stripe and conspicuous black line along lateral line in preserved individuals; in life, broad gold-orange stripe; lateral line yellow, bordered on each side by a narrow black line; 44-57 + 2-3 scales along lateral line (usually 50-57 + 2-3); 4½-5 scale rows between lateral line and pelvic fin origin; anal fin usually with 9½ branched rays; snout tip rounded or blunt, snout projecting beyond tip of upper lip; and eye diameter 4.0-4.6 times in HL (Ref. 59043). Caudal fin with 17 to 21 rays (Ref. 40476).

Dorsal spines (total): 2 - 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 9 - 10; Vertebrae: 41 - 42

Adults inhabit middle reaches of streams and rivers with clear water, moderately swift current and gravel bottom. Occurs in groups. They feed on invertebrates and algae. Breeding occurs in fast-flowing water on gravel bottom (Ref. 59043). Used as bait. Not so well fished although the flesh is excellent (Ref. 30578). Locally threatened (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: public aquariums