Luciobarbus graecus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luciobarbus graecus |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Subfamily: | Barbinae |
| Genus: | Luciobarbus |
| Species: |
L. graecus
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| Binomial name | |
| Luciobarbus graecus Steindachner, 1896
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| Synonyms | |
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Barbus graceus Steindachner, 1895 (lapsus) |
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The Luciobarbus graecus is a type of ray-finned fish. It belongs to the family called Cyprinidae, which includes many kinds of carp and minnows. This fish is often called a "barbel" because of the whisker-like feelers around its mouth.
You can find Luciobarbus graecus mainly in Greece and nearby areas. It is very similar to another fish called Luciobarbus lydianus, which lives in the northwest part of Asia Minor.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The Luciobarbus graecus is a large barbel. It can grow to almost 70 centimeters (about 27 inches) long. However, most adult fish are smaller, usually between 10 to 20 centimeters (4 to 8 inches) long.
Body and Fins
This fish has fairly large scales on its body. It usually has about 45 to 46 scales along its side. Its pectoral fins, which are like arms, typically have 17 fin rays. The fins of Luciobarbus graecus are generally larger than those of its relatives. Its anal fin (near the tail) starts closer to its snout, which is a bit blunt.
Head and Mouth
The Luciobarbus graecus has large eyes. Its head is tall and narrow compared to other fish in its group. Like other barbels, it has four whisker-like feelers called barbels around its mouth. These barbels are a little shorter than those of its relatives.
Color and Markings
Unlike its close relative, L. lydianus, the Luciobarbus graecus does not have very swollen lips. It also doesn't have a black spot at the base of each body scale. Instead, each body scale has a noticeable black edge. The rest of its body is usually grayish-brown on top and sides. Its ventral and anal fins are pale yellowish.
Where It Lives
This fish is mostly found in Greece. Its home range just barely reaches into Albania. You can find it in the Spercheios River system. It also lives in the Cephissus River and in Lake Yliki.
Past Homes
In the past, Luciobarbus graecus also lived in Lake Paralimni. However, this lake has since been drained, so the fish no longer lives there. This species prefers to live in lakes and rivers where the water moves slowly.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Luciobarbus graecus lays its eggs, a process called spawning, in June. They usually choose sandy areas in the water to lay their eggs.
Why It's Endangered
The Luciobarbus graecus only lives in a small area. Its numbers have gone down a lot over the years. This is due to several reasons:
- Habitat Destruction: Its natural home is being damaged.
- Water Use: Too much water is being taken from rivers and lakes for agriculture (farming).
- Water Pollution: The water where it lives is becoming dirty.
- Overfishing: Too many of these fish are being caught.
This species is protected by law in Greece. However, the rules are not always followed very well. Because of these threats, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has classified Luciobarbus graecus as an Endangered species. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
