Barbus waleckii Rolik 1970

Diagnosed from its congeners n Baltic and Black Sea basins by having following characters: last simple dorsal ray slightly thickened, with 0-30 small serrae posteriorly along median third; flexible segmented part of last simple dorsal ray about 50% of ray length; lower lip thick, with a pendulous median lobe; lateral line with 52-70 scales (usually 59-62); 11-12 scale rows between lateral line and dorsal fin origin; pelvic fin origin slightly to clearly behind dorsal fin origin; scales with free posterior part rounded; and scales without epithelial crests (Ref. 59043).

Eggs are released in holes dug by females with their anal fins. Probably spawning takes place in 2-3 batches during a spawning season (Ref. 59043).

Inhabits small rivers with moderate to fast flowing water in piedmont and montane zones at 200-600 m above sea level, preferring stone, gravel, pebble or sand bottom and river stretches with rapids and deep holes. Undergoes upriver migration to shallow, smaller tributaries during the start of the spawning season. Does not migrate for long distances, usually moving along main course of stream during feeding season. Preys on benthic invertebrates. Breeds in shallow areas over pebble bottom with fast current and clear water with high oxygen concentration. Spawns mainly at night during sunset. Slow decline of population is expected to continue due to on-going economic development (Ref. 59043).

The Vistula barbel (Barbus waleckii) is a disputed species of European freshwater fish in the cyprinid genus Barbus.

It is often included in B. cyclolepis. More recently, it has been hypothesized to be a natural hybrid that originated from a common barbel (B. barbus) female mating with a Carpathian barbel (B. carpathicus) male. Nevertheless, the populations do not seem to represent first-generation hybrids. It is recorded or suspected from Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.