Barbus meridionalis Risso 1827

Diagnosed from other species of Barbus and Luciobarbus in Apennine and Iberian Peninsulas and southern France by the following characters: 44-48 +2 scales on lateral line; 24-28 scale rows around caudal peduncle; head, back, sides and fins with large, irregular black dots; last simple dorsal ray not spinous, flexible, not serrated posteriorly; lower lip thick, with a median swollen pad (Ref. 59043). Caudal fin with 16-19 rays (Ref. 2196).

Dorsal spines (total): 3 - 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9; Anal spines: 2 - 3; Analsoft rays: 5 - 6; Vertebrae: 34 - 35

Feeds on plants and zoobenthos (Ref. 30578).

Inhabits upper and middle stretches of streams with fast, clear and well oxygenated water, as well as lowland areas where Barbus barbus is absent (Ref. 59043). A short-lived species which is found in clear waters over sand and gravel. Feeds on small invertebrates and (rarely) plants. A combative fish which can be captured with bows or floating ling lines (Ref. 30578). Threatened due to water abstraction and pollution (Ref. 26100) and habitat modification (Ref. 59043). In southern France, locally forms partly fertile hybrids with B. barbus. Attains a maximum size of about 27 cm SL (Ref. 59043).

fisheries: subsistence fisheries; gamefish: yes