Leucos aula (Bonaparte 1841)

Leucos aula is distinguished from all congeners by having a middle lateral band and a smaller head length, which in fish of comparable size is less than 4.5 times in the SL, except L.panosi, and more than 4.0 times in the others species. It further differs by having 12 modal scales around caudal peduncle (vs. 14) (Ref. 96829). It can be diagnosed from its congeners in Apennine Peninsula by having the following characters: dorsal and anal fins with 9½ branched rays; 36-42 (usually 38-39) scales along lateral line; mouth subterminal; pelvic, pectoral and anal fins greyish; eye red in life; conspicuous dark brown midlateral stripe from eye to caudal fin base (Ref. 59043).

Dorsal soft rays (total): 12; Analsoft rays: 12

Feeds on plants and invertebrates (Ref. 26100).

Found in canals, swamps, lakes and streams with slow current and dense vegetation (Ref. 59043). Prefers to inhabit lakes and still waters of rivers; does not thrive in moderately to fast flowing rivers (Ref. 96829). Lives in groups. Omnivorous, feeding mainly on insect larvae, other invertebrates, algae and aquatic macrophytes. Spawns in small groups composed of one female and several males. Deposits eggs on aquatic vegetation (Ref. 59043). Age at first maturity is 1+ or 2+ for males and 2+ for females; maximum age observed is 7+ years (Ref. 96829). Abundant, but locally declining due to the introduction of Carassius gibelio, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Silurus glanis ( in lakes). There are introduced populations locally responsible for extirpation of Rutilus rubilio (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: of no interest; gamefish: yes

Leucos aula is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae. It is native to the Adriatic basin in southern Europe, originally occurring in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Switzerland. It has been introduced to other parts of Italy. This is an abundant fish, occurring in canals, swamps, lakes, and streams with slow current and dense vegetation.