Málaga chub facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Málaga chub |
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cypriniformes |
| Family: | Cyprinidae |
| Subfamily: | Leuciscinae |
| Genus: | Squalius |
| Species: |
S. malacitanus
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| Binomial name | |
| Squalius malacitanus Doadrio & Carmona, 2006
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The Squalius malacitanus, also known as the Málaga chub, is a type of freshwater fish. It belongs to the carp family, called Cyprinidae. This fish was first discovered in the Guadalmina River in Málaga, which is how it got its name.
The Málaga chub is considered a vulnerable species. This means its population is decreasing, and it needs protection. It has some unique features that help scientists tell it apart from other similar fish.
Contents
What Does the Málaga Chub Look Like?
The Málaga chub is a small fish, usually shorter than 100 millimeters (about 4 inches). It has a large head, which is bigger than its body's deepest part. Its eyes are quite large compared to the space in front of them.
Body Color and Scales
This fish has a silver body, but its back is a bit darker. It's not as shiny as some other related fish. Each of its scales has a big black spot at the bottom and several smaller black spots along its edges. The inside lining of its belly is also silver with small black spots. Its scales are not easily shed.
Inside the Fish: Bones
Scientists can also identify the Málaga chub by looking at its bones. For example, it has certain bones in its head that are wide and short. The bones in its jaw are also quite short. These details help experts understand how different fish species are related.
Where Does the Málaga Chub Live?
This fish has been found in the Guadalmina River, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It also lives in the Genal River, which is a branch of the Guadiaro River. Scientists think it might live in other rivers within the Guadiaro river system too.
The Málaga chub prefers to live in streams with clear water and bottoms made of gravel. It is the only fish species found only in the Guadalmina River. In the Genal River, it shares its home with other native fish like Barbus sclateri, Pseudochondrostoma willkommii, Anguilla anguilla, and Atherina boyeri.
Why Is the Málaga Chub Vulnerable?
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists the Málaga chub as a vulnerable species. This is because it lives in a very small area, less than 5,000 square kilometers (about 1,930 square miles).
The main reason its population is shrinking is due to water being taken from its rivers. A lot of this water is used to supply golf courses in the area. Because of its limited habitat and the decreasing water supply, the Málaga chub is a rare fish, and its numbers are going down.
 | Madam C. J. Walker |
 | Janet Emerson Bashen |
 | Annie Turnbo Malone |
 | Maggie L. Walker |
