Marathon minnow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Marathon minnow |
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The Marathon minnow (Pelasgus marathonicus) is a small freshwater fish. It belongs to the family of carps and minnows, called Cyprinidae. This special fish is found only in Greece.
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What Does the Marathon Minnow Look Like?
The Marathon minnow is a small fish, usually between 3 and 7 centimeters long. That's about the length of your finger!
Body Features
It has a lateral line along its side. This line is made of about 40 scales. Only the first 8 to 12 of these scales have tiny holes. These holes help the fish sense movement and vibrations in the water.
Fins and Color
The fish has a dorsal fin on its back. This fin has 3 simple rays and 7 to 8 branching rays. Its tail is forked, like a "V" shape. The body of the Marathon minnow is greyish-brown on top. Its belly is a lighter color. It also has a thin, black stripe running along its sides.
Where Does the Marathon Minnow Live?
The Marathon minnow is an endemic fish, which means it lives only in Greece. You can find it in the rivers and plains there.
Specific Locations
It lives in the Spercheios and Boeotian Kifissos Rivers. It also lives on the Marathon Plain. This is the same area famous for the ancient Marathon race!
Rediscovery
For a long time, people thought the Marathon minnow had disappeared from the Athenian Kifissos River. It hadn't been seen there since 1971. But in 2013, scientists were excited to find it again!
Habitat and Life Cycle
The Marathon minnow likes to live in certain watery places. It prefers springs, swamps, and canals. You'll often find it hiding among plants, under riverbanks, or in tree roots.
How Long Do They Live?
These minnows usually live for up to two years.
Reproduction
Marathon minnows lay their eggs between May and September. They are "fractional spawners." This means they lay their eggs in small batches over time, instead of all at once. Other minnows in the Pelasgus group do this too.
What Do They Eat?
This fish has a varied diet. It eats many different small creatures that live in the water. It also feeds on algae and detritus. Detritus is tiny bits of decaying plants and animals.
Protecting the Marathon Minnow
The Marathon minnow faces several challenges that threaten its survival. People are working to protect this unique fish.
Main Threats
- Habitat Loss: In the Marathon area, wetlands are drained for farming. This takes away the minnow's home.
- Water Problems: Taking too much water from rivers (water abstraction) and droughts can dry up their habitats.
- Pollution: Chemicals from farms can pollute the water, harming the fish.
- New Species: Some fish, like the rainbow trout and the mosquito-fish (Gambusia holbrooki), have been brought into Greece. These new fish can compete with the Marathon minnow for food or even eat them.
Conservation Efforts
Scientists and environmental groups are suggesting ways to help:
- Keep watching the places where the minnow lives to make sure they are safe.
- Stop the spread of the mosquito-fish using natural methods.
- Raise Marathon minnows in special facilities and then release them into the wild. This helps increase their numbers.
- Start a big campaign to teach schools and environmental groups about the minnow. This helps more people understand why it's important to protect it.
In Greece, the Marathon minnow is considered an Endangered species. However, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) lists it as Near Threatened. This means it could become endangered soon if we don't protect it.
