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About 15 native species, before considered by the official Italian ichthylogical literature, as conspecific with transalpinian species, are in fact endemics. Especially the failure of taxonomic updates bring in Italy several alien species either introduced as official stockings or mixed as impurity. Among the rehabilitated species there are, among cyprinids, Scardinius hesperidicus and S. scardafa, Telestes savigny from northern and T. comes from southern Italy, Squalius ruffoi from southern Italy. Squalius albus is a junior synonym of S. squalus. The endemic gudgeon, assigned at genus Romanogobio is placed again into the genus Gobio (G. benacensis). Phoxinus lumaireul is a junior synonym of P.phoxinus. Among Salmonidae, Salmo cenerinus is junior synonym of S. marmoratus while Salmo farioides represents the trout species of the Adriatic lineage. The esocid Esox cisalpinius n.sp. is regarded as an endemic species of pike in Italy. Among sculpins, Cottus scaturigo and C. ferrugineus are regarded as junior synonyms of C. gobio. Actually in Italy there are 51 native established freshwater fish species 2 of which extinguished (Acipenser sturio and Huso huso).

The goals of this project are the determination of the freshwater fish species assemblages of the River Ofanto in the Regional Park of Ofanto and the determination of the total fish biomass in different seasons for the survival purpose of fish eater mammals as otters. The fish components, in origins, were very scarce due to biogeographyc reasons, but now the components were enriched by several introduced aliens species. The native fauna I still well represented in the hills zone, near Ponte Romano, while above, aliens as common carps and crucian carps dominated. The total biomass varied significantly in different seasons being high in April and July and low in December.

The Natural Regional Reserve Monterano includes a short, of about 12 km, stretch of the River Mignone. This river is characterized by a very reduced flow, especially in summer, and was interested to intensive stockings in the past. At present a dam separate un upper section, characterized by a well preserved native ichthyofauna from a lower, below the dam, were aliens either of Padano-Venetian origins or extra- Italian, dominated. In this section the endemic goby, Padogobius nigricans is now extinct due to the introduction of the congeneric P. bonelli. The future management must take care of: avoid any kind of alien introduction; avoid any kind of structure which can permit to the aliens to overpass the dam; monitoring the condition of native species above the dam.

The freshwater fish fauna of the Parco Regionale del Matese, was investigated in spring and summer 2008. The lakes Matese, Gallo and Letino are dominated by alien species. In the lake Matese the environmental conditions and the dense aquatic vegetation permitted the invasive establishment of specie as the Italian pike, Esox cisalpinus, the padany rudd, Scardinius hesperidicus, and the perch Perca fluviatilis. The River Sava and the short stretch of the River Volturno included in the Park, are rich in native species, as Lampetra planeri, Rutilus rubilio, Barbus tyberinus, Gasterosteus gymnurus and Squalius squalus, and three endemic species of the apulo-campano district, Telestes comes, Cobitis zanandreai and Alburnus albidus. The conservation status of fishfauna assemblage either in the Volturno or Sava rivers is quite high and shows a good level of icthyofaunistic native integrity. It is recommended that the good level of the waters of Sava and Volturno, observed also in summer, should be maintained and any abstraction of waters in its upper part, avoided.

Is the first documented introductions of Nile Tilapia (Oreocheromis niloticus) in freshwaters of Italy and Europe

Genus Leucos Heckel, 1843 Type species: Squalius aula Bonaparte, 1841: Fauna It., fasc. XXX, Tav. 116, fig. 3: type locality; Padua Province; north-eastern Italy. Leucos cisalpinus Heckel, 1843: 1081 (Lake Garda) was the subsequent type species designation by Jordan & Gilbert (1883). But it was a nomen nudum. Type species by present designation: Squalius aula Bonaparte, 1841: type locality; Italy, Padua Province, north-eastern Italy. It is the only species from Lake Garda, common in every lake of northern Italy, which corresponds with the short description below of the genus. A short diagnosis (translated from Latin) of this genus was given by Heckel, (1843: 1081): pharyngeal teeth, 5 - 5; mouth small; lips smooth; barbels absent; dorsal and anal fins short; origin of D at level of insertion of pelvic fins. Others species placed by Heckel (1843) in this genus: Leucos rubella Heckel, 1843 (nomen nudum); Leucos basak Heckel, 1843; Leucos (now placed in Delminichthys) adspersus Heckel, 1843, Leuciscus selysii Selys-Longchamps, 1841 (junior synonym of Rutilus rutilus); and Leuciscus rutiloides Selys-Longchamps, 1842 (junior synonym of R. rutilus). The genus Leucos was used by several authors until it was synonymized with Rutilus (Howes, 1981). Diagnosis. Distinguished from others genera of European cyprinids by a combination of the following characters: pharyngeal teeth 5 - 5 (rarely 4-5 or 5 - 4 or 6 - 5) hooked and slightly serrated. Mouth small, terminal or slightly upturned or downturned; origin of D nearly at same level of origin of P 2; free margin of D and A concave or slight concave; caudal fin from moderately to deeply forked; peritoneal membranae from silvery to blackened by fused melanophores; body without longitudinal stripes (excepted Leucos aula). GR short. Usually, 8���9 branched rays in the D and in the A; 8 branched rays in the P 2; 12���14 circum-peduncular scales; absence of large pearl organ (nuptial tubercles) on head and central part of scales in reproductive males; small size, did not exceed 180 mm SL; mostly a still water species. Sequence variation of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene shows a strictly relationship among five species, which separated from a Leuciscinae ancestor about 4-5 milion years ago, during the Lago Mare phase of the Mediterranean (Bianco, 1990), probably following the same evolutionary trajectories of the genus Telestes, which occurs in the same geographic area (Ketmaier et al., 2004)., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on page 382, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Jordan, D. S. & Gilbert, C. H. (1883) Synopsis of fishes of North America. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, 16, 1 - 1018.","Howes, G. J. (1981) Anatomy and phylogeny of the Chinese major carp Ctenopharyngodon Steind. 1866 and Hypophthalmyichtys Blk. 1860. Bulletin of the British Museum of Natural History (Zool.), 41, 1 - 52.","Bianco, P. G. (1990) Potential role of the palaeohistory of the Mediterranean and Parathetys basin on the early dispersal of Europe-Mediterranean freshwater fishes. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 1, 167 - 184.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G., Krivokapic, M., Cobolli, M. & De Matthaeis, E. (2004) Molecular phylogeny of two lineages of Leuciscinae cyprinids (Telestes and Scardinius) from the peri-Mediterranean area based on cytochrome b data. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 32, 1061 - 1071. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2004.04.008"]}

Sarmarutilus rubilio (Bonaparte, 1837) (Figs. 2 F, 3 C) Leuciscus rubilio Bonaparte, 1837: Fauna It: fasc. XIX, Tav III (Type locality; voulcanic lakes of Nemi and Bracciano, central Italy). Examined material. samples from the following rivers were analyzed for the study. All the examined material is from Italy and, since the species was introduced in several basins, only samples from the native distribution has been included in the description and following comparisons. IZA 8344, 6, R. Elsa (R. Albegna basin), Tuscany, G. Delmastro, 20 May 1981.��� IZA 8355, 13, R. Cecina, Tuscany, G. Delmastro, 18 May 1981.��� IZA 8358, 11, R. Serchio, Tuscany, 18 May 1981.��� IZA 8396, 11, Fosso della Lena (R. Ombrone basin), Tuscany, P.G. Bianco, 10 April 1982.��� IZA 8367, 8, R. Trasubbie (R. Arno basin), Tuscany, G. Delmastro, 19 May 1981.��� IZA 8374, 5, R. Fiora, Tuscany, P.G. Bianco, April, 1975.��� IZA 8363, 22, R. Mignone, Latium, P.G. Bianco, June 1974.��� IZA 8390, 12, R. Tronto, Marche, C. Albertini, 22 November 1982.��� IZA 8381, 20 (out of 43), R. Tavo, Abruzzo, P.G. Bianco, 12 April 1979.��� IZA 8373, 14, L. Provvidenza (R. Vomano basin), P.G. Bianco, 10���15 April 1983.��� IZA 8376, 16, R. Pescara, Abruzzo, F. Recchia, May 1982.��� IZA 8364, 5, R. Trigno, Molise, P.G. Bianco, 10 July 1977.��� IZA 8381, 12, R. Volturno, Campania, P.G. Bianco, 8 August 1981.��� IZA 0 252, 20 (out of 54), R. Calore, Campania, P.G. Bianco & V. Frezza, 31 October 2001.��� IZA 0 0 236, 20 (out of 84) R. Sele, Campania, P.G. Bianco, 24 April 2001.��� IZA 0 0 408, 6, R. Nestore (R. Tiber basin), P.G. Bianco & M. Lorenzoni, 11 April, 1996.��� IZA 0 2122, 20, R. Merse (R. Ombrone basin), Tuscany, P.G. Bianco, 2 July, 1997.��� IZA 0 2183, 20, (out of 75), R. Ofanto, Campania (probably introduced), P.G. Bianco & V. Frezza, 12 February 2002.��� IZA Uncatalogued, 7, L. Trasimeno, Umbria, P. Calderoni, 1984.��� IZA 87146, 20 (out of 87), R. Liri, Lazio, P.G. Bianco, 7 July 1987. Diagnosis. Corresponds to that of the genus. Description. A small-medium sized species, not exceeding 160 mm SL, usually 80���120 mm SL. Scales of the body marked by evident crescent triangular spot on the origins, sometimes this heavy pigmentation masks a more or less evident longitudinal stripe; color of eye in living samples, yellowish; fins yellowish or pale grayish in preserved specimens; in reproductive adults are reddish; snout moderately blunt; pre-orbital distance nearly equal to the horizontal diameter of the eye; lips smooth; mouth opening oblique, the corner of maxillae placed anteriorly to the vertical crossing of the anterior border of the orbit; mouth slightly inferior; profile of dorsum convex; free margin of D and A concave; P 1 and P 2 longer in males, where they may reach the origin of P 2 fin; caudal fin forked; peritoneal membrane blackened by several melanophores dense and fused; head length about 4.0��� 4.3 times the SL or more; body depth about 2.8���3.1 times the SL; origin of the D at same level or slightly below the insertion of the P 2; LL complete and extending from the margin of opercular membrane to the end of caudal peduncle; 37���42 pored scales on LL; 7.5 row of scales above and 3.5 below the LL; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by modally 8 branched rays in the D; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by modally 9 branched rays in the anal fin; P 1 with 1 un-branched and 14���15 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and modally 8 branched rays; usually 10���11 total GR; in adult males prominent or vestigial tubercles present. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 F, Tables 4,5, and Bianco & Taraborelli (1985). Distribution: The species was endemic to the Tuscany-Latium ichthyogepgraphic district, including an area limited on the Tyrrhenian side between River Magra to the north and River Sele to the south. The species range on the Adriatic side extends from River Tronto (north) to River Trigno (south) (Bianco & Taraborelli, 1985). The species was introduced in most of the southern Italian basins, from where we have the following documented materials: IZA 83127, 75, L. Campotosto, Abruzzo, L. G. Albertino, June 1982.��� IZA 8347, 26, R. Bussento, Campania, P.G. Bianco, 24 June 1977.��� IZA 8384, 54, R. Mingardo, Campania, P.G. Bianco, 25 June 1978.- IZA 8393, 17, R. Cavone, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 31 July 1978.��� IZA 83104, 7, R. Bradano, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 11 August 1981.- IZA 83107, 30, R. Crati, Calabria P.G. Bianco, 1 August 1978.- IZA 83141, 2, R. Neto, Calabria, July 1982, A. Marconato.- IZA 87156, 122, R. Basento, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 14 July 1987.- IZA 0 0 244, 70, R. Bussento, Campania, P.G. Bianco, 25 march 2001.- R. Agri, IZA 87130, 761, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 13 August 1987.��� IZA 87151, 49, R. Sinni, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco 1987.��� IZA 87153, 131, R. Lao, Calabria, P.G. Bianco, 10 August 1987.��� IZA 0 0 225, 109, R. Mingardo, Campania, 12 June 1989.��� IZA 87164, 17, R. Cavone, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 13 August 1987.��� IZA 87172, 23, R. Noce, Calabria, P.G. Bianco, 9 August 1987. In Sicily it was introduced in 1985 (Tigano & Ferrito, 1986). Lectotype designation. The type series of this species includes 11 syntypes, 66���121 mm SL, ANSP 6509- 6519. The Bonaparte description and illustration are based on a single specimen, of ��� 6 inches and 9 lines��� (about 17 cm TL), from Lake Nemi (the type locality) which cannot be recognized from the series. Hence, a lectotype is here selected: the specimen ANSP 6509, 93 mm SL (Fig. 3 C), owing to its very good condition, is designated as lectotype. It has 38 scales on LL; 8 branched rays in D and 9 in A; 7.5 rows of scales above and 3 below LL; total GR, 10; 14 circum-peduncular scales; 5 - 5 pharyngeal teeth. The 10 paralectotypes, ANSP 6510 -6519, 66��� 121 mm SL: LL, 36���40; 7.5���8.5 rows of scales above and 2.5���3.5 below LL. D constantly with 8 branched rays, A with 9 (10 in one case) and 9���11 total GR. Pharyngeal teeth formula is 5 - 5. Remarks on ecology biology and conservation. Preferential habitats: running waters. Not well adapted in still waters where it is easily excluded by the introduced Leucos aula, Rutilus rutilus and possibly other introduced, still water-adapted species such as rudds and bleaks. In southern Italian rivers, however, where it was introduced, detrimentally affected or eliminated the populations of the less riverine well-adapted species as the endemic Alburnus albidus (Bianco & Ketmaier, 2001). The reproductive season extends from March to June with sporadic case in February and July. Sexual maturity is reached at age 1 + or 2 + in males and 2 + in females. Maximum age observed, 6 years for females and 5 for males. Maximum length reached, 160 mm SL a female of age 5 +, and weight of 45 g. (Bianco & Taraborelli, 1985; Bianco & Santoro, 2004). According to Bianco et al. (2013), and IUCN (2013), Sarmarutilus rubilio, throughout its native range, is placed in the category of ���Nearly Threatened���, while wherever it is introduced it has become invasive., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 393-395, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Bianco, P. G. & Taraborelli, T. (1985) Contributo alla conoscenza del genere Rutilus R. in Italia e nei balcani occidentali (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Bollettino del Museo Regionale di Scienze naturali di Torino, 3, 131 - 172.","Tigano, C. & Ferrito, V. (1986) Sulla presenza di Rutilus rubilio (Bp. 1837) in Sicilia (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Animalia, 13, 109 - 124.","Bianco, P. G. & Ketmaier, V. (2001) Anthropogenic changes in the freshwater fish fauna of Italy, with reference to the central region and Barbus graellsii, a newly established alien species of Iberian origin. Journal of Fish Biology, 59, 190 - 208. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1095 - 8649.2001. tb 01386. x","Bianco, P. G. & Santoro, E. (2004) Biologia della rovella, del cavedano e del barbo nei bacini del Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano (Cyprinidae). Biologia Ambientale, 18, 85 - 91.","Bianco, P. G., Caputo, V., Ferrito, V., Lorenzoni, M., Nonnis Marzano, F., Stefani, F., Sabatini, A. & Tancioni, L. (2013) Pesci d'acqua dolce. In: Rondinini, C., Battistoni, A., Peronace, V. & Teofili, C. (Compilers.), Lista Rossa IUCN dei Vertebrati Italiani. Comitato Italiano IUCN e Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare, Roma, pp. 54."]}

Leucos panosi (Bogutskaya & Iliadou, 2006) (Fig. 2 D) Rutilus panosi Bogutskaya & Iliadou, 2006: 283 (type localities rivers Achelos and Louros, western Greece). Examined materials. IZA 0 416, 7, Greece, L. Trichonis; P.G. Bianco, 25 April 1987.��� IZA 8766, Greece, canal emissary of L. Trichonis, P.G. Bianco, 1 May 1987.��� IZA 0 417, Greece, L. Trichonis, P.G. Bianco, 10 August 1998.��� IZA 85513, 28, Greece, L. Ambrakia, P.G. Bianco, 30 April 1984.��� IZA 83108 B, 27, Greece, L. Joannina (introduced), P.G. Bianco, 23 February 1976. Diagnosis. A species of Leucos characterized by moderate size, not exceeding 160���170 mm SL, usually 120���140 mm SL; absence of a mid-lateral band; peritoneal membrane blackened by dense melanophores. Leucos panosi is quite similar to L. ylikiensis from which it differs mostly for the number of total GR, usually 18���20 in L. ylikiensis and 13���14 in L. panosi. It may be distinguished from L. basak for the number of LL scales, usually 42���43 as against 36���38 in L. basak. It may be distinguished from L. aula for the absence of lateral band and the color of the peritoneal membrane, black in L. panosi and silvery in L. aula. It differs from all other species of Leucos for the high number of total GR, usually 13���14 in L. panosi and 8���10 in all others, excepted L. ylikiensis that has a higher number of total GR, usually 18���20. The closest species, both on geographical distribution and molecular grounds (Fig. 1 B) is L. ylikiensis from western Greece. Description. Body uniformly silvery without longitudinal band; color of eye in living fish, yellowish; fins yellowish or pale grayish in preserved specimens; a triangular pale, crescent spots at insertion of each scale of the body; snout pointed; pre-orbital distance near equal to the horizontal diameter of the eye; lips smooth; mouth terminal, or slightly inferior, its opening oblique; the corner of maxillae at the same level or slightly overpass the vertical crossing the anterior border of the orbit; profile of dorsum convex, slightly humped; paired and unpaired fins yellowish with few scattered melanophores; free margin of dorsal and anal fin concave; caudal fin moderately forked; peritoneal membrane blackened by several dense and fused melanophores; head length about 4.2���4.6 times in SL; body deep about 2.8���3.2 times in the SL; origin of the D placed slightly above the vertical crossing the insertion of the P 2; LL complete, and extending from the margin of opercular membrane, to the end of caudal peduncle; 39���45 pored scales, usually 42���43; 7.5 above and 3.5 below the LL; 14 circum-peduncular scales; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by 9 branched rays in the D; constantly 3 un-branched and usually 8 branched rays in the anal fin; P 1 with 1 un-branched and 14���16 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; 12���16 total GR; fine granular tubercles on head and checks has been observed in adult reproductive males. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 D and Tables 1, 2. Distribution. The species was reported for the Acheloos, and Louros river-systems in western Greece (Bogutskaya & Iliadou, 2006). The species was found also in lakes Trichonis and Ambrakia. Leucos panosi was introduced in Lake Joannina, (Leonardos et al., 2008), where it coexists with the introduced Rutilus rutilus. Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. A still-water adapted species. In fish communities, Leucos panosi tends to become dominant and invasive in lakes while it is quite rare in the flowing part of rivers Louros and Acheloos, (P.G. Bianco, pers. obs.). Spawners have been collected in February suggesting that the reproductive season may start at the end of January and extend possibly until March���April. The species is classified as of ���Low Concern��� among the IUCN (2013) categories., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on page 391, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Bogutskaya, N. G. & Iliadou, K. (2006) Rutilus panosi, a new roach from western Greece (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zoosystematica Rossica, 14, 293 - 298.","Leonardos, D., Kagalou, I. I., Tsoumani, M. & Economidis, P. S. (2008) Fish fauna in a protected Greek lake: biodiversity, introduced fish species over a 80 - year period and their impacts on the ecosystem. Ecology of Freshwater Fish, 17, 165 - 173. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1600 - 0633.2007.00268. x"]}

Sarmarutilus n. gen. Type species: Leuciscus rubilio Bonaparte, 1837: Fauna It: fasc. XIX, Tav III (Type locality; voulcanic lakes of Nemi and Bracciano, central Italy). Diagnosis. The species, previously classified as Rutilus rubilio, cannot be placed in the genus Rutilus, because of the pharyngeal teeth formulae, 5 - 5 in R. rubilio and 6 - 6 or 6 - 5 in Rutilus, of the small size and the riverine preference as opposed to still waters and large size in Rutilus. Similarly, it cannot be placed in the genus Leucos for the presence of prominent tubercles at the center of each scale of the body and on the head in reproductive males (Fig. 4), a character unknown in the genus Leucos, and for the preferentially riverine habits as opposed to still waters in the five species of Leucos. In addition, it shows a marked lateral stripe, quite different from that of L. aula, masked by heavy pigmentation on flanks formed by well marked crescent triangular spot on scales (Fig. 2 F), of a shape not found in any of all other species of Leucos and Rutilus in the examined area. Finally, it is well separated from the Leucos species on karyology grounds (Bianco et al., 2004) and from Rutilus and Leucos at the mtDNA level (Ketmaier at al., 2008). Etymology. The generic name derives from the Sarmatic Sea, or Lago Mare, an ancient central European inner freshwater sea where this monotypic genus probably has its evolutionary roots. Origins. Sequence variation of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene shows a strict relationship among five species, which diverged from a Leuciscinae ancestor about 4���5 million years ago, during the Lago Mare phase of the Mediterranean Sea (Bianco, 1990). Similar biogeographic and temporal patterns have been observed in the genus Telestes, which occupies the same geographic area (Ketmaier et al., 2004). According to karyology (Bianco et al., 2004) Sarmarutilus rubilio displays few, if any, elements with centromeric heterochromatin and many with solid telomeric bands; this evidence differentiates S. rubilio from two representative species of the genus Leucos (L. aula and L. panosi). The three examined species should be considered as of distinct origins and, according to molecular data, probably separated since the Lago Mare Phase of the Mediterranean Sea in the Miocene Messinian (5 MYA)., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on page 392, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Bianco, P. G. (1990) Potential role of the palaeohistory of the Mediterranean and Parathetys basin on the early dispersal of Europe-Mediterranean freshwater fishes. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 1, 167 - 184.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G., Krivokapic, M., Cobolli, M. & De Matthaeis, E. (2004) Molecular phylogeny of two lineages of Leuciscinae cyprinids (Telestes and Scardinius) from the peri-Mediterranean area based on cytochrome b data. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 32, 1061 - 1071. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2004.04.008"]}

Leucos albus Marić, 2010 (Fig. 2 E) Rutilus albus Marić, 2010: 153 (type locality, Lake Skadar, Montenegro). Examined materials. IZA 0 421, 2, Montenegro, R. Moraca at the confluence with R. Zeta, D. Mar��c and P.G. Bianco, 11 November 1999 (specimens also tested molecularly by Ketmaier et al. (2008).- IZA 0 469, 7, 58, Republic of Montenegro, R. Zeta, 13 November 1999, P.G. Bianco and D. Marić. Diagnosis. This species was recently described by Marić (2010). Here we provide a short diagnosis according to our materials from the Moraca-Zeta river system, which flows into the Lake Skadar; the species is not reported for that rivers (Marić, 2010). Leucos albus can be distinguished from L. basak, its closest relative genetically (see Fig. 1 B), for the number of LL pored scales (41���44 in Leucos albus 37���39 in L. basak) and for the modal number of branched rays in the D (9 in L. basak, 8 in L. albus). Flanks are silvery, without lateral bands as observed in L. aula. Description. A small-medium sized species, not exceeding 190 mm SL, usually 80���120 mm SL. Body uniformly silvery without longitudinal band; color of eye in living fish, yellowish; fins yellowish or pale grayish in preserved specimens; snout pointed, pre-orbital distance near equal to the horizontal diameter of the eye; lips smooth; mouth opening oblique, the corner of maxillae slightly protruded and at level with the vertical crossing of the anterior border of the orbit; mouth slightly inferior; profile of dorsum convex; paired and unpaired fins yellowish; free margin of dorsal and anal fins concave; caudal fin forked; peritoneal membrane blackened by several melanophores addensed and fused; head length more than 3.8 ���4.0 times in the SL; body deep about 3.6���3.8 times in the SL; origin of the D at same level of the insertion of the P 2; LL complete, and extending from the margin of opercular membrane, to the end of caudal peduncle; 41���44 pored scales, usually 41���42; 7.5 above and 3.5 below the LL; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by 8 branched rays in the D; constantly 3 un-branched and usually 8 branched rays in the anal fin; P 1 s with 1 un-branched and 14���15 branched rays; P 2 with 1 unbranched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; usually 8���9 total GR; in adult males prominent or vestigial tubercles absent. The specimens from River Moraca differ from those from Lake Skadar for a more pointed snout and slender body. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 E and Tables 1, 2. Distribution. L. albus is originally described from Lake Skadar (Montenegro): it is quite rare in the lake, but seasonally frequent in submerged springs (Marić, 2010). We also found the species in Zeta and Moraca river system, both flowing into Lake Skadar. The species was found together with Salmo sp, Telestes montenegrinus and Phoxinus phoxinus, all cold-water adapted species. The species, which seems riverine adapted, is steadily declining both in rivers Moraca and Zeta mainly due to illegal fishing of trout (Drago Marić, pers. comm.). The scarce material we obtained (nine specimens) is the result of extensive sampling efforts by electro fishing between 9 and 13 November 1999. Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. According to Mar��c (2010), the preferential habitats are the sub-lacustrine springs of Lake Skadar, where large numbers of fish gather during the winter period. We found also a riverine sample. Leuco albus coexists with L. basak in Lake Skadar. The proportion between Leucos albus and L. basak is 20: 1 in favor of the second. Spawning season starts in January but in February females have spent gonads. Leucos albus spawns earlier in the season than L. basak. Still not evaluated by IUCN International commission, but according to the IUCN (2012) category, it satisfy to the point B of the ���Endangered Category���, as the area of occupancy is less than 500 km 2 and the species is known only from one basin (Lake Skadar and the river flowing into it), which continues to decline as a result of habitat alteration (Marić, 2010)., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 391-392, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Maric, D. (2010) Rutilus albus sp. n. (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from Lake Skadar. Periodicum Biologorum, 112, 153 - 158.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G. & Durand, J. D. (2008) Molecular systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of roaches (Rutilus, Teleostei, Cyprinidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 49, 362 - 367. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2008.07.012"]}

Leucos aula (Bonaparte, 1841) (Fig. 2 A, 3 A) Squalius aula Bonaparte, 1841: Fauna It., fasc. XXX, Tav. 116, fig. 3: type locality; Padua Province; north-eastern Italy Examined material: All from Italy: ANSP 6434 -6445, 12 (types of Squalius aula Bp), ANSP 6467 -6468, 2 (types of S. elatus Bp), NE Italy.��� IZA 8361, 2, R. Sile at Jesolo, G. Delmastro, 10 August 1980.��� IZA 8361, 14, small canal near Jesolo, G. Delmastro, 10 August 1980.��� IZA 83138, 12, R. Tartaro near Lazise, C. Oppi, 20 May 1975.- IZA 83139, 6, R. Tartaro near Isola della Scala, C. Oppi, 20 November 1978.��� IZA 83140, 4, Le Porte del Menago, Verona, G. Togni, 1 May 1978.��� IZA 8412, 25, R. Tartaro, Isola della Scala, C. Oppi, May 1978.��� IZA 8345, 14, L. Major, P.G. Bianco, 18 April 1982.��� IZA 8365,10, R. Po near Cuneo, G. Delmastro, 8 August 1980.��� IZA 8368, Canal Moneta (R. Po basin), 10, G. Delmastro, 5 October 1977.��� IZA 8377, 8, Rio Stellone (R. Po basin), G. Delmastro, 22 May 1980.��� IZA 8349, 10, L. Piediluco near Terni, P.G. Bianco, 1 May 1983 (introduced).��� IZA 8372, 9, L. Monticchio, Basilicata, P.G. Bianco, 18 June 1977 (introduced).��� IZA 0 198, 2, L. Massaciuccoli near Pisa, E. Baldaccini, 7 April 2001 (introduced).��� IZA 8837, 14, R. Foglia, P.G. Bianco, 22 June 1988.��� IZA 0 425, 7, R. Bacchiglione, 4 April 1996, E. Marconato. Diagnosis. The species can be distinguished from all others species of Leucos for the presence of a middle lateral band, and a smaller head length, which in fish of comparable size is less than 4.5 times in the SL, except L. panosi, and more than 4.0 times in the others species. Additionally, L. aula differs from in the modal number of circum-peduncular scales, which is 12 as opposed to 14 in other species. Description. General appearance in Fig. 2 A. A small-medium sized, not exceeding 180 mm, usually 80���120 mm SL. A species of Leucos characterized by a quite marked mid-lateral band, extending from the operculum (sometimes from the tip of the snout) to the end of the caudal peduncle: on caudal peduncle the band is sometimes enlarged to form an oval spot; body moderately elongate, dorsal profile convex; sometimes a small hump in largest specimens; posterior mouth corner placed beyond the vertical crossing the anterior margin of orbital cavity; snout blunt; mouth opening oblique and terminal to slightly sub-terminal; lips smooth; horizontal diameter of eye, less or equal than pre-orbital length; head small, its length about 3.8���4.2 times in the SL; body quite deep, its depth about 2.6 ���3.0 times in the SL; origin of the D at same level or slightly below the insertion of the P 2; free margin of D and A, slightly concave; caudal fin moderately forked; LL complete, with 35���42 pored scales, placed below the middle of the body, slightly concave and extending from the upper margin of opercular membranae, to the end of caudal peduncle; modally 3 un-branched and 9 branched rays both in the D and A; P 1 with 1 un-branched and 14���15 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; about 8���10 total GR; color of eye in life from yellowish to a brilliant red; fins yellowish; peritoneal membranae silvery sometimes with few scattered melanophores. Adult reproductive males may have minute, granular tubercles on head, check, upper side of paired fins and fan-shaped on the free border of scales of the body. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 A and Tables 1, 2. Distribution. The species was endemic in the Padany-Venetian ichthyogeographic district, including all the river basins tributary of the upper Adriatic Sea, from Croatia, in basins near the town of Zara (Mačrovcić et al., 2006), Slovenia and down, in Italy, to the River Reno in the Marche Region. It was introduced in several basins of central and southern Italy: at least lakes of Monticchio, Massaciuccoli, Bracciano, Piediluco and rivers Tiber, Arno, Mignone (Bianco & Taraborelli, 1985; Bianco & Santoro, 2011; P.G. Bianco, pers observ). Lectotype designation for Leucos aula (Bonaparte, 1841). The syntypes series of Leucos aula (Bomparte���s original catalogue number 438) in ANSP includes two species: 11 individuals are L. aula (ANSP 6434 -6444, 55��� 101 mm SL), and 1 is Scardinius hesperidicus (ANSP 6445, 43.0 mm SL). Among the 11 syntypes, the specimen ANSP 6434, 74 mm SL, in very good condition, is designated as lectotype (Fig. 3 A). It has 39 scales on the LL; 9 branched rays in D and 9 in A; 7.5 rows of scales above LL and 3.5 below LL; total GR, 9; 14 circumpeduncular scales; pharyngeal teeth formula, 5 - 5. The 10 paralectotypes, ANSP 6435 -6444, 43��� 101 mm SL, show the following ranges of meristic counts: LL, 38���40; 7.5���8.5 rows of scales above and 2.5���3.5 below LL; 9���11 total GR. D constantly with 9 branched rays; A with 9���11 branched rays (modal value, 9); 12���14 circum-peduncular scales; 5 -5, 5- 4 pharyngeal teeth. The single specimen of Scardinius hesperidicus has 38 scales on LL; 9 branched rays in D, 11 in A, 14 circum-peduncular scales and 14 total GR. Pharyngeal teeth formula: 5.3 - 3.5. Remark on the Bonaparte fish collection. Several question were raised about the value of the syntypes of the Bonaparte collection housed in ANSP and catalogued by B��hlke (1984) by Dr. Maurice Kottelat (pers. comm.). Kottelat���s point of views were followed by several ichthyologists and, among them, one of the reviewers of the first version of this contribution, originally submitted to Zootaxa. The study was rejected mainly on the grounds that there are no proof that syntypes of Bonaparte housed in ANSP were used for the original description. But this controversy was recently solved and the collection of Bonaparte���s new cyprinid species are confirmed to be syntypes (Bianco, 2014 a). Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. Preferential habitats: lakes and still waters of rivers. Not thriving in moderately to fast flowing rivers. This species strongly competes and tends to eliminate Sarmarutilus rubilio in still waters. It is responsible for the extinction of S. rubilio in central and southern Italian lakes and rivers (Bianco & Ketmaier, 2001). The reproductive season extends from April to August, peaking in May���June. Age at first reproduction is 1 + or 2 + for males and 2 + for females. Maximum age observed, 7 + (Bianco & Taraborelli, 1985). Its conservation status is of ���Low Concern��� according to the IUCN (2013) red list., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 382-384, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Macrovcic, M., Brigic, A., Buj, I., Caleta, M., Mustafic, P. & Zanella, D. (2006) Red book of freshwater fishes of Croatia. Ministry of Culture, State Institute for Nature Protection, Zagreb, 253 pp.","Bianco, P. G. & Taraborelli, T. (1985) Contributo alla conoscenza del genere Rutilus R. in Italia e nei balcani occidentali (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Bollettino del Museo Regionale di Scienze naturali di Torino, 3, 131 - 172.","Bianco, P. G. & Santoro, E. (2011) I pesci e i decapodi d'acqua dolce della Riserva Naturale Monterano: alterazioni prodotte, status degli autoctoni e indicazioni gestionali. In: Bianco, P. G. & de Filippo, G. (Eds.), Pesci parchi vol 3. Contributo alla conoscenza della fauna ittica d'acqua dolce in aree protette d'Italia. Researches on Wildlife Conservation. Publisher: Lulu. com USA IGF Publ., ISBN: 978 - 1 - 4709 - 2573 - 4, pp. 1 - 24.","Bohlke, E. B. (1984) Catalogue of type specimen in the ichthyological collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Academy of Natural Sciences, Special Publication, 14, 1 - 246.","Bianco, P. G. (2014 a) Lectotype designation for Squalius squalus (Bonaparte, 1837) (Pisces: Cyprinidae). Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 163, 91 - 93. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1635 / 053.163.0103","Bianco, P. G. & Ketmaier, V. (2001) Anthropogenic changes in the freshwater fish fauna of Italy, with reference to the central region and Barbus graellsii, a newly established alien species of Iberian origin. Journal of Fish Biology, 59, 190 - 208. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1095 - 8649.2001. tb 01386. x"]}

Leucos ylikiensis (Economidis, 1991) (Fig. 2 C) Rutilus aula rubella var. ylikiensis Stephanidis, 1939 (infrasubspecific name not available: locality, Lake Yliki) Rutilus ylikiensis Stephanidis, 1991: 269. (Type localities: lakes Yliki and Paralimni and River Kifissos). Available by reference to Stephanidis (1991). See Kottelat (1997: 82) Examined material. IZA 8733, 8, Greece, lakes Yliki and Paralimni, P.G. Bianco, 25 April 1987.��� IZA 0 49, 20, Greece, L. Yliki, P.G. Bianco, 11���16 August 1998.��� IZA 0 479, Greece, 4, L. Volvi, P.G. Bianco, 21 October 1998. Diagnosis. A species of Leucos characterized by moderate size, not exceeding 120���130 mm SL; absence of a mid-lateral band; peritoneal membrane blackened by dense melanophores; usually 42���43 pored scales on LL, as against 36���38 in Leucos basak. It may be distinguished from Leucos aula for the absence of lateral band and the color of the peritoneal membrane, black in L. ylikiensis and silvery in L. aula. It differs from all others species of Leucos for the high number of total GR, usually 18���20 in L. ylikiensis and 8���16 in all others. The most closely related species, also for the geographical position and according to molecular analyses (Fig. 1 B) is L. panosi from western Greece. Four specimens from Lake Volvi with 17���18 total GR and 41���42 scales on LL are identified as L. ylikiensis, introduced in this lake similarly to what happened for another endemic species from Lake Yliki, Scardinius acarnanicus (Bianco & Kottelat, 2005). Bogutskaya & Iliadou (2006) did not report the species as occurring in Lake Volvi. Description. Body silvery; lateral band absent; color of eye in living fish, yellowish; fins yellowish or pale grayish in preserved specimens; snout pointed; pre-orbital distance near equal to the horizontal diameter of the eye; lips smooth; mouth opening oblique, the corner of maxillae at the same level or a little below; the anteriormost margin of the eye; head length about 3.8���4.2 times in standard length; body depth about 3.4���3.8 in standard length; mouth terminal or slightly inferior; profile of dorsum convex, slightly humped in several cases; paired and unpaired fins yellowish with few scattered melanophores; free margin of dorsal and anal fin concave; caudal fin forked; peritoneal membrane blackened by several melanophores dense and fused; origin of the D at same level of the insertion of the P 2; LL complete, and extending from the margin of opercular membrane, to the end of caudal peduncle; 39���45 pored scales, usually 42���43; usually 7.5 row of scales above and 3.5 below the LL; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by 9 branched rays in the D; constantly 3 un-branched and usually 8 branched rays in the anal fin; P 1 s with 1 un-branched and 14���15 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; 16���21 total GR; in adult reproductive males collected in April, there are granular tubercles on the free margin of scales of the body and on the head. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 C and Tables 1, 2. Distribution. Endemic to the two small and adjacent connected lakes Yliki and Paralimni, and River Ksifissos in western Greece. Introduced in Lake Volvi (present data). Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. A preferentially still water species. There are no data available on the species life history. According to local fisherman may reach up to 200 mm TL. The maximum length observed in our materials, collected on April, was for a female of about 150 mm TL, aged 3 +, with eggs of about 1.0��� 1.2 mm of diameter, all of equal size (a sign of a probable single spawning reproductive habit). Adult males, of 120 mm TL, aged, 2 +, have fan-shaped minute tubercles on the border of scales, of the body and on the upper part of paired fins. The probable spawning season extends from March to May. Among the IUCN categories, the species is classified as ���Endangered��� (IUCN, 2013). Leucos basak Leucos aula Leucos ylikiensis Leucos panosi Leucos albus L. Yliki, L. Paralimni, L. Ambrakia, L. Trichonis, R. Krupa, L. Besanka, Several basins L.Volvi (introduced) eastern L. Joannina (introduced) R. Moraca & Zeta, L. Skadar L. Prespa Micraprespa, Northen Italy Characters Greece Western Greece L.Skadar, L.Ohrid N= 130 N= 152 N= 32 N= 90 N= 11 Range CV Range CV Range CV Range CV Range CV, Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 387-389, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Kottelat, M. (1997) European freshwater fish. Biologia, 52 (Supplement), 1 - 271.","Bianco, P. G. & Kottelat, M. (2005) Scardinius knezevici, a new species of rudd from Lake Skadar, Montenegro (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 16, 231 - 238.","Bogutskaya, N. G. & Iliadou, K. (2006) Rutilus panosi, a new roach from western Greece (Teleostei: Cyprinidae). Zoosystematica Rossica, 14, 293 - 298."]}

Rutilus rutilus (Linnaeus, 1758) (introduced in the study area) Cyprinus rutilus Linnaeus, 1758: 234 (type locality: Europa) Rutilus rutilus vegariticus Stephanidis, 1950: 203 (type locality, Lake Vegoritis, northern Greece). Examined material. IZA 83108 A, 107, Greece, Epirus, L. Joannina, P.G. Bianco, 23 February 1976.��� IZA 88124, 6, England, R. Thames, A. Wheeler, 18 June 1986.��� IZA 78115, 11, Romania, R. Danube, P. Banarescu, 23 September 1975.��� IZA 0 475, 15, Greece, L. Vegoritis (type locality of R. vegariticus), P.G. Bianco, 21 August 1998.��� IZA 0 452, 5, FYROM, L. Dojran, R. Gruptch��, 14 January 1971.���0477, 7, Italy L. Como, O. Mangione, April 2004.��� IZA 0 478, 5, Slovenia, L. Pernica (R. Danube basin) at Mari-Bor, M. Povz, 29 March 1999. Diagnosis. Rutilus rutilus compared to R. pigus has less scales on LL (39���44 vs 46���51), and higher number of total GR (12���16 vs. 9���12). Compared to Rutilus stoumboudae n.sp., R. rutilus has less total GR (12���15 vs. 15���18) and more branched rays both in the dorsal and anal fins (9���11 vs. 8���9). Proportional measurements and meristic counts are reported in Tables 4, 5. Description. A species of Rutilus of medium-large size, characterized by the absence of a mid lateral band; body slightly compressed; and moderately elongate, dorsal profile convex; sometimes humped in larger specimens; posterior mouth corner placed above the vertical crossing the anterior margin of orbital cavity; mouth terminal, opening small, slightly downturned; lips smooth; horizontal diameter of the eye more than or equal to the preorbital length; head small, with a length about 4.2���4.6 times the SL; body depth, about 3.2���3.6 times the SL; origin of the D slightly below the insertion of the P 2; free margin of dorsal and anal fins slightly concave; caudal fin deeply forked; LL complete, with 39���44 pored scales, placed below the middle of the body, slightly concave and extending from the upper margin of the opercular membrane to the end of caudal peduncle; modally 3 un-branched and modally 10 branched rays both in the dorsal and anal fins; P 1 with 1 un-branched and 15���17 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; usually 12���14 total GR; color in life: eye from yellowish to a brilliant red; fins yellowish with some red; dorsal and caudal fins dark brown; peritoneal membrane silvery sometimes with few scattered melanophores. Additional description in Tables 4, 5. Remark on synonym. The status of Rutilus vegariticus was still confused and inquirenda. It was considered as a valid species (Economidis & Banarescu, 1991), or a subspecies of Rutilus (Economidis, 1995). Kottelat (1997) still considered questionable its validity as distinct taxon. Following its original description, no recent diagnosis and description of this nominal taxon were performed. According to molecular data (Ketmaier et al., 2008) and to the morphological analyses presented here (Tables 4, 5), Rutilus vegariticus cannot be consistently separated from R.rutilus as all morphometric and meristic characters overlap (Tables 4, 5). Rutilus vegariticus (Lake Vegoritis, eastern Greece) is genetically very close to a number of central European and introduced northern Italian populations of R. rutilus (Ketmaier et al., 2008). Larmuseau et al. (2009) claimed that this population should be regarded as a distinct Rutilus rutilus lineage, possibly a junior synonym for the Ponto-Caspian R. heckelii. This seems not realistic biogeographically (Bianco, 1990), since the Ponto-Caspian region is well differentiated from the circum-Mediterranean one; we believe that the most parsimonious explanation for the occurrence of Rutilus rutilus in the area is introduction by humans and, therefore, we consider this taxon as junior synonym of R. rutilus. Distribution. Native to central Europe, the species has been introduced in several circum-Mediterranean ichthyogeographical districts. In northern Italy, the species has been introduced in the Po basin and in many subalpine lakes where it compete with the native Rutilus pigus and Leucos aula; in central Italy introductions are known for the Tiber and Arno rivers and for lakes Montedoglio and Corbara, where it caused the disappearance of the endemic Sarmarutilus rubilio., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on page 395, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Economidis, P. S. & Banarescu, P. (1991) The distribution and origins of freshwater fish in the Balkan peninsula, especially in Greece. Internationale Revue gesamten Hydrobiologie, 76, 257 - 283. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1002 / iroh. 19910760209","Economidis, P. S. (1995) Endangered freshwater fishes of Greece. Biological conservation, 72, 201 - 211. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / 0006 - 3207 (94) 00083 - 3","Kottelat, M. (1997) European freshwater fish. Biologia, 52 (Supplement), 1 - 271.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G. & Durand, J. D. (2008) Molecular systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of roaches (Rutilus, Teleostei, Cyprinidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 49, 362 - 367. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2008.07.012","Larmuseau, M. H. D., Frehyof, J., Volkaert, F. A. M. & Houdt, J. K. J. van (2009) Matrilinear phylogeography and demographical patterns of Rutilus rutilus: implications for taxonomy and conservation. Journal of Fish Biology, 75, 332 - 353. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1095 - 8649.2009.02322. x","Bianco, P. G. (1990) Potential role of the palaeohistory of the Mediterranean and Parathetys basin on the early dispersal of Europe-Mediterranean freshwater fishes. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 1, 167 - 184."]}

Leucos basak Heckel, 1843 (Figs. 2 B, 3 B) Leucos basak Heckel, 1843: 1006 (Type locality: Vergoraz and Lake Drusino, near Imotschi, Croatia). Rutilus aula karamani Vladikov & Petit, 1930: 391 (type locality, Lake Ohrid, Albania). The authorship of this species is reported as Fowler, 1977 in Kottelat (1997) because Kottelat assumed that the original description was infrasubspecific (Rutilus aula natio karamani), which should not be made available (ICZN, 1999; art. 45.5). It should be noted, however, that Vladikov & Petit (1930) in the text of their original description used the name Rutilus aula karamani, without the use of ���natio���, making clear their intention to describe a subspecific taxon (ICZN, 1999: art. 45.6.4.1). Leucos aula var. ohridana Karaman, 1924: 56 (type locality, Lake Ohrid, FYROM) Leucos aula var. prespensis Karaman, 1924: 57 (type locality, Lake Prespa, FYROM) Rutilus prespensis vukovici Marić, 1989: 65 (type locality, Lake Skadar, Montenegro) Examined materials. IZA 83120, 33, Croatia, R. Krupa (R. Neretva basin), P.G. Bianco, 28 May 1983.��� IZA 0 48, 5, Croatia, L. Bačinska (R. Neretva basin), M. Mrakovic, 10 Aprile 1997.��� IZA 0 0 164, 5, FYROM, L. Ohrid, R. Gruptch��, 10 April 1970.��� IZA 0 429, 30 (out of 122), FYROM; L. Ohrid, P.G. Bianco, 28���29 August 1987.��� IZA 0 430, 10, FYROM, L. Ohrid, R. Gruptch��, 13 March 1969.- IZA 85481, 30 (out of 232), Montenegro, L. Skadar, P.G. Bianco and B. Knezevic, 24���25 July 1984.��� IZA 0 441, 4, Montenegro, L. Skadar, P.G. Bianco and D. Marić, 9 November 1999.��� IZA 0 0 55, 5, FYROM: L. Prespa, P. Banarescu, 29 November 1975.��� IZA 0 435, 10, FYROM, L. Prespa, R. Gruptch��, 15 May 1968.��� IZA 0 422, 12, Greece, lakes Prespa and Micraprespa, P.G. Bianco, 22 August 1998. ��� MNHN 1977.281, 3, Albania (syntypes of Rutilus karamanni Vladikov & Petit, 1930). Diagnosis. A species of Leucos characterized by moderate size, usually 120���140 mm SL; absence of a midlateral band; body uniformly silvery in life; peritoneal membrane black.; usually 36���38 pored scales on LL, as opposed to 38���43 in the other Leucos species. It may be distinguished from Leucos aula for the absence of lateral band and the color of the peritoneal membrane, black in L. basak, and silvery in L. aula. It differs from L. panosi and L. ylikiensis mainly by the number of GR, which are usually 9���10 in L. basak and respectively, 18���20 in L. ylikiensis and 13���14 in L. panosi. The most closely related species, according to molecular analyses (Fig. 1 B) is L. albus. The two species can be identified on the basis of the number of LL scales, usually 41���42 in L. albus and 36���38 in L. basak, the number of D branched rays, 9 in L. basak and 8 in L. albus, and apparently for the color of the peritoneal membrane, nearly silvery in L. albus, and blackish in L. basak. Description. A small-medium sized species. In Croatia may reach 220 mm TL and 180 g of weight, but usually less than 150 mm TL (Mačrovcić et al., 2006). Body uniformly silvery without longitudinal band; color of the eye in living animals is yellowish; fins yellowish or pale grayish in preserved specimens; snout pointed, preorbital distance near equal to the horizontal diameter of the eye; lips smooth; mouth opening oblique, the corner of maxillae at the same level of the vertical crossing the anterior border of the orbit; mouth terminal or slightly inferior; profile of dorsum convex sometimes humped in large specimens; paired and un-paired fins yellowish with few scattered melanophores, free margin of D and A concave; P 1 longer in males, were may reach the origin of P 2; caudal fin forked; peritoneal membrane blackened by several melanophores addensed and fused; head length about 3.6���3.8 times in the SL; body deep about 3.5���3.7 times in the SL; origin of the D at same level of the insertion of the P 2; LL complete, and extending from the margin of opercular membrane, to the end of caudal peduncle, with 35���41 pored scales, usually 36���38; 7.5 above and 3.5 below the LL; constantly 3 un-branched rays followed by 9 branched rays in the D; constantly 3 un-branched and usually 8 branched rays in the anal fin; P 1 with 1 unbranched and 14���15 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; usually 9���10 total GR; in adult males pearl organ absent. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 B and Tables 1, 2, 3. Distribution. The species distribution includes lakes and mostly still water of rivers of the Adriatic drainages, from Croatia, till to Albany, and Montenegro. In Lake Skadar the species is sympatric with Leucos albus. In Croatia its distribution is limited to basins of south-eastern part: lakes Crven, Modro, Bačinska and rivers Matica and Neretva (Mracovčić et al., 2006). Remarks on synonyms. According to mtDNA (Ketmaier et al., 2008) and to the morphological analyses presented here on Leucos basak (Table 3) from the Dalmatian, Albanian, and Aegean ichthyogeographic districts (sensu Bianco 1990), the populations from lakes Ohrid, Prespa and Skadar and River Krupa (River Neretva drainage) cannot be unequivocally distinguished from one another and should be regarded as a single species. This would be partially at odds with the results of Milo��ević et al. (2011). These authors, based on mitochondrial (cyt- b) and nuclear (five polymorphic microsatellites) markers coupled with morphology proposed the existence of three species in the area (Rutilus ohridanus, R. prespensis and R. albus). It should be noted, however, that divergence at the mtDNA level was shallow (up to a maximum of five substitutions) and that the lack of gene flow at the nuclear loci could reflect the geographical isolation of these lakes rather than a specific status of the taxa. The authors themselves claimed that ��� R. prespensis should be further evaluated to determine if the taxon is synonymous with other Rutilus from the Adriatic basin���. Rutilus ohridanus is a problematic species as the diagnosis of meristic characters given in Karaman���s (1924) original description (D with 10���11 branched rays, A with 11 branched rays and 44 LL scales) overlaps with that given for R. pygus virgo for Lake Dojran (FYROM, Greece) in the very same paper. The overlapping in biometric characters with R. pygus virgo is very likely due to a printing error; also the maximum size reported Karaman (1924), (about 150 mm TL) would classify the species as a small sized Rutilus (Ivanović, 1973; Soric, 1983; Marić, 1988), (see Tab 2). In our extensive survey of samples of R. basak (see above) we found neither 10 / 11 branched rays in D nor 10 in A. R. ohridanus should be then placed as synonym for R. basak. R. prespensis, R. p. vukovici and R. karamanni, cannot be separated from R. basak neither molecularly nor morphologically and are here regarded as junior synonyms for R. basak. Thus all the populations of the synonymized nominal taxa represent a single species; this would also reflect the hydrography of the Albanian district as these lakes are connected to one another: the lakes Prespa and Ohrid through a subterranean karstic channel, lakes Ohrid and Skadar through the Bojana-Drina river system. Lake Ohrid is considered to be the oldest continuously existing lake in Europe with a likely age of three to five million years. An extraordinarily high degree of endemism, including more than 210 described endemic species, renders the lake a unique aquatic ecosystem of worldwide importance (Albrecht & Wilke, 2008), and the center of origins of native fish and biodiversity in the Albanian district. Lake Skadar, on the contrary, is relatively young and originated through flood of a karstic field occupying a crypto-depression of recent origin (Lasca et al., 1981); it is thus reasonable to hypothesize that its fish fauna originated through multiple colonization events from surrounding water bodies. Lectotype designation. Due to the high diversity of the genus Rutilus complex in the Balkan Peninsula (see Introduction and Ketmaier et al., 2008), a lectotype is here selected among the four syntypes housed in NMW 50723, and 50725. The specimen, 117 mm SL (151 mm TL), bearing the catalogue number NMW 50723 - 1 is designed as the lectotype. A picture of that specimen was published in Bianco & Taraborelli (1985: fig. 6, p. 149). According to ICZN (1999), other things being equal, preference for selection of a lectotype should be given to a syntype that has been illustrated in a publication (art 74. recommendation 74 A). The lectotype is in good condition (Fig. 3 B). It has 40 pored scales on LL; 9 above and 4 below LL; 9 branched dorsal rays and 8 branched anal rays; pharyngeal teeth formula, 5 - 5. Head length about 3.8 times in SL; head depth 4.8 times in SL; body depth about 4.0 times in SL, least body depth about 2.3 times in body depth; snout length about 3.4 times in head length. Dorsal and anal fins slightly concave; caudal fin forked; origin of D at same level as origin of P 2; mouth terminal and slightly oblique; dorsum quite convex. Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. It is a still-water adapted species, invasive in lakes Skadar, Ohrid and lakes of Adriatic drainages of Croatia, and low course of rivers. Spawning takes place between April and May (Mačrovcić et al., 2006). Its conservation status is of ���Low Concern��� according to IUCN (2013) red list., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 384-387, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Vladikov, V. D. & Petit, G. (1930) Sur quelques poisons d'eau douce d'Albanie. Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France, 55, 383 - 409.","Kottelat, M. (1997) European freshwater fish. Biologia, 52 (Supplement), 1 - 271.","Karaman, S. L. (1924) Pisces macedoniae. Hrvatska Stamparija, Split, 90 pp.","Macrovcic, M., Brigic, A., Buj, I., Caleta, M., Mustafic, P. & Zanella, D. (2006) Red book of freshwater fishes of Croatia. Ministry of Culture, State Institute for Nature Protection, Zagreb, 253 pp.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G. & Durand, J. D. (2008) Molecular systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of roaches (Rutilus, Teleostei, Cyprinidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 49, 362 - 367. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2008.07.012","Bianco, P. G. (1990) Potential role of the palaeohistory of the Mediterranean and Parathetys basin on the early dispersal of Europe-Mediterranean freshwater fishes. Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 1, 167 - 184.","Milosevic, D., Winkler, K. A., Maric, D. & Weiss, S. (2011) Genotypic and phenotypic evaluation of Rutilus spp. from Skadar, Ohrid and Prespa Lakes supports revision of endemic as well as taxonomic status of several taxa. Journal of Fish Biology, 79, 1094 - 1100. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1095 - 8649.2011.03090. x","Ivanovic, B. M. (1973) Ichthyofauna of Skadar Lake. Montenegro, Titograd, 146 pp.","Soric, V. M. (1983) Rutilus rubilio (Cyprinidae, Pisces) U Ohrid-Drim-Skadar sistemu. Acta Biologica Jugoslavica, Biosistematika, 9, 61 - 70.","Maric, D. (1988) The species revision of genus Rutilus Raf. from western part of Balkan peninsula. Prirode Prirodnjackog Museja Titograd, 21, 55 - 79.","Albrecht, C. & Wilke, T. (2008) Ancient Lake Ohrid: biodiversity and evolution. Hydrobiologia, 615, 103 - 140. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1007 / s 10750 - 008 - 9558 - y","Lasca, N. P., Radulovic, V., Ristic, R. J. & Cherkauer, D. S. (1981) Geology, hydrology, climate and bathymetry of Lake Skadar. In: Karaman, G. S. (Ed.), The biota and Limnology of Lake Skadar. Smithsonian Institution D. C. USA, printed in Yugoslavia, Titograd, pp. 17 - 38.","Bianco, P. G. & Taraborelli, T. (1985) Contributo alla conoscenza del genere Rutilus R. in Italia e nei balcani occidentali (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Bollettino del Museo Regionale di Scienze naturali di Torino, 3, 131 - 172."]}

Rutilus pigus (La Cep��de, 1804) (Fig. 2 G) Cyprinus pigus La Cep��de, 1803: 503, 607 (type localities: lakes Major and Como, northern Italy). Examined material. IZA 0 471, 12, Italy, L. Como, O. Mangione, April 2004.��� IZA 0 472, 3, Italy, R. Livenza, M. Povz, 22 May 1996.��� MSNM (uncataloged), 33, Italy, L. Maggiore, A. Mojetta, June 1988.��� IZA 843,6, Italy, R. Po, G. Delmastro, 13 March 1983.- IZA 842, 6, Italy, L. Major, April 1983, G. Giussani. Diagnosis. Rutilus pigus, was only recently separated from R.virgo (Kottelat & Frehyof, 2007; Ketmaier et a l., 2008). R. pigus, is endemic of Padany-Venetian district, and differs from R. virgo from central Europe, in squamation as it has 46���51 scales on LL, and 8.5 above and 3.5 below the LL, as against 40���46 scales on LL and 7.5 above and 3.5 below the LL in R. virgo. The two species show also a different position of nuptial tubercles on head (Kottelat & Freyhof, 2007) and also phylogenetically are very distant (Ketamaier et al., 2008). Compared with R. rutilus, has more scales on LL scales, 46���51 in R pigus, and 39���44 in R. rutilus; and less number of total GR, 9���12 in R. pigus and 12���16 in R. rutilus. Compared to R. stoumboudae n.sp., R. pigus has less total GR (12���15 vs. 15���18) and more branched rays both in the dorsal and anal fins (9���11 vs. 8���9). Description. A species of Rutilus characterized by large size and the absence of mid lateral band. In reproductive males, well developed and large prominent nuptial tubercles on head, checks, and at center of the scales of the body. Absence, in reproductive males, of fan-shaped granular tubercles, on the free border of each scales of the body. Body laterally compressed, moderately elongate, dorsal profile convex; sometimes a small hump in largest specimens; snout pointed; eye diameter equal to the pre-orbital length; posterior mouth corner placed beyond the vertical crossing the anterior margin of orbital cavity; mouth opening oblique and terminal to slightly sub-terminal; lips smooth; eye small, its horizontal diameter less than or equal to the pre-orbital length; head length about 4.3���4.6 times in the SL; body quite deep, its depth about 3.2���3.4 times in the SL; origin of the D placed at same level of the insertion of the P 2; free margin of dorsal and anal fins, from straight to slightly concave; caudal fin, when enlarged, moderately forked; LL complete, with 46���51 pored scales extending from the upper margin of opercular membrane, to the end of caudal peduncle; modally 3 un-branched and 10 branched rays in the dorsal and 11 in the anal fins; P 1 with 1 un-branched and 15���17 branched rays; P 2 with 1 un-branched ray and constantly 8 branched rays; about 8���12 total GR; color of the eye white; the color of all fins is from yellowish to dark grays; peritoneal membrane blackened by dense melanophores. For additional description and shape, see Fig. 2 G, and Tables 4, 5. Distribution. Padano-Venetian district, from River Po to River Isonzo (upper Adriatic Sea drainages). Its survival is strongly affected by the introduction of two alien species: the European roach, Rutilus rutilus and the European nase, Chondrostoma nasus (Linnaeus, 1758). Remarks on ecology, biology and conservation. A mostly lacustrine adapted species, which may reach 500 mm TL and 2 kg of weight, and at least 9 years of age. Sexual maturity is late and is reached at age 3 + or 4 + in males and 5 + in females at about 280���330 mm SL. Reproduction takes place between April and May, longevity is up to 9 years (Bianco & Taraborelli, 1985; Puzzi et al., 2007). Although the species was placed in the ���Low Concern��� category by (IUCN, 2013), according to the recent assessment made by the Italian National IUCN red list commission, R. pigus was placed in the ���Critical Endangered��� category (Bianco et al., 2013). This species is progressively disappearing throughout its native range, mainly as a result of competition with the invasive introduced R. rutilus and Chondrostoma nasus (Puzzi et al., 2007; Volta & Jepsen, 2008). Rutilus stoumboudae Bianco & Ketmaier , new species (Fig. 2 H) Type materials. Holotype (Fig. 2 H) IZA 02107 A, 128 mm SL, Greece, Lake Volvi, P.G. Bianco, 21 October 1998 (specimen also used for molecular analysis by Ketmaier et al., 2008). Paratypes: IZA 02107 B, 11, 64��� 156 mm SL, Greece, Lake Volvi; P.G. Bianco, 10 October 1998. Diagnosis. Rutilus stoumboudae differs from R. rutilus, its closest relative genetically, both in the number of total GR (16���17 vs. 13���14) and number of branched rays of the D and A (modally 9 and 9 in R. stoumboudae and 10 and 10 in R. rutilus). It differs from R. pigus in apparently lacking nuptial tubercles, in the numbers of LL scales (39���43 vs. 46���51) and of branched rays in the anal fin (8���9 vs. 9���11). Description. Apparently a small to medium sized species. Maximum SL observed, 156 mm and 197 mm of TL in our materials. Body moderately compressed, its depth about 3.1���3.3 times in SL. Head length about 3.8 ���4.0 times in SL. Mouth, small, terminal and slight up-turned. Pre-orbital distance less than eye diameter. Eye diameter about 2.7���3.3 times in head length. Origin of D slight behind the origin of P 2. Free margins of D and A concave; dorsal profile convex, slightly humped in the holotype; pre-dorsal distance slightly longer than pre-ventral distance. Pectoral-pelvic distance nearly equal to pelvic-anal distance. Caudal peduncle depth about 1.1���1.3 times in caudal peduncle length. Free margin of pectoral and pelvic fins rounded, caudal fin, when extended, moderately forked. D with 3 non-branched and 9 (in one case 8) branched rays. A with 3 non-branched and 9 branched rays. Fourteen circum-peduncular scales; 38���41 pored scales on the LL. 7.5 or 8.5 rows of scales above and 3.5 or 4.0 below the LL; 8���10 total GR; pharyngeal teeth on both sides, 6 - 5; Peritoneal membrane darkened by dense melanophores; apparently absence of tubercles. Ground color silvery; back plain dark brown. Top of head plain dark brown; sides light; ventral surface of head, belly and caudal peduncle yellowish. All fins yellow-brownish. General shape of holotype in Fig. 2 H. Morphometric and meristic data of holotype and 11 paratypes in Tables 4, 5. Remarks. According to Larmuseau et al. (2009), the species from Lake Volvi examined by Ketmaier et al. (2008), should be identified as Rutilus heckeli. But these authors specifically stated in their study that the identification of the alleged Rutilus heckeli material they used was uncertain: the authors did not deposite the corresponding sequences in GenBank and we are thus unable to include their data in our phylogenetic analyses. According to Larmuseau et al. (2009), Rutilus heckeli seems the sister species of R. rutilus. Extensive diagnosis of this species is found in Berg (1949), and Banarescu (1964): it may reach the size of about 500 mm TL (size unknown in Lake Volvi, since Rutilus stoumboudae belongs to a group of species of smaller size). Adult males of Rutilus heckeli show well developed nuptial tubercles all along the dorsal area of the body (apparently not found in R. stoumboudae); pharyngeal teeth formula is modally 6 - 6 in R. heckeli, while in our new specie is modally 6 - 5; the number branched rays of dorsal and anal fins are modally 10 in R. heckeli, and 9 in R. stoumboudae. Based on these differences we cannot identify samples of the new species as Rutilus heckeli. Another geographically close species, described for the River Maritza in Bulgaria (Evros in Greece), Rutilus maritza, Drenski, 1926, is considered since a long time as a junior synonym of R. rutilus (Kottelat, 1997). In addition, the Bulgarian freshwater fish fauna is of Danubian origin, with the exception of a single endemic species, Alburnus mandrensis (Drensky, 1943). Color pattern. In preserved specimens, dorsum brownish, sides yellowish without a longitudinal band. Scales of flanks show a reticulate pigmentation. Peritoneal membrane with more or less concentrated or scattered melanophores. Pectoral, dorsal, and caudal fins black; pelvic and anal fins yellowish. Distribution: There are several doubts about the native origin of this species in Lake Volvi. Kottelat & Frehyof (2007) reported a Rutilus sp. from River Sperchios (south-eastern Greece). According to the count methodology proposed in Bianco & Kottelat (2005) the species shows 9 branched rays in the anal and in the dorsal fins. Among the Rutilus species revised in this contribution, only the new species possess 9 branched rays in the dorsal and anal fins. The general shape of the specimens from the River Sperchios described by Kottelat (2007: p 249) is very similar to that of the holotype of R. stoumboudae. Translocations of fishes by fishermen from southern Greece basins to the shore market of Lake Volvi for selling seems quite frequent. Leucos ylikiensis and Scardinius acarnanicus, endemic to Lake Yliki, have been transplanted in Lake Volvi following this practice. Etymology. The species is named after the Greek ichthyologist, colleague and friend, Maria Stoumboudi, in honor of her research activity on the ecology and conservation of freshwater fishes of Greece. Remarks on ecology biology and conservation: a still water adapted species. No data available on its biology. According to the IUCN (2012) category, it satisfies point B and potentially should be placed in the ���Endangered category��� as the area of occupancy is less than 500 km 2 and the species keeps declining as a result of habitat reduction., Published as part of Bianco, Pier Giorgio & Ketmaier, Valerio, 2014, A revision of the Rutilus complex from Mediterranean Europe with description of a new genus, Sarmarutilus, and a new species, Rutilus stoumboudae (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 379-402 in Zootaxa 3841 (3) on pages 398-399, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3841.3.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225778, {"references":["Kottelat, M. & Freyhof, J. (2007) Handbook of European Freshwater Fishes. Kottelat, Cornol, Switzerland and Frehyof, Berlin, Germany, 646 pp.","Ketmaier, V., Bianco, P. G. & Durand, J. D. (2008) Molecular systematics, phylogeny and biogeography of roaches (Rutilus, Teleostei, Cyprinidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 49, 362 - 367. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1016 / j. ympev. 2008.07.012","Bianco, P. G. & Taraborelli, T. (1985) Contributo alla conoscenza del genere Rutilus R. in Italia e nei balcani occidentali (Pisces, Cyprinidae). Bollettino del Museo Regionale di Scienze naturali di Torino, 3, 131 - 172.","Puzzi, C. M., Trasforini, S., Bardazzi, M. A., Polisciano, N., Montonati, S. & Maggio, A. (2007) Carta Provinciale Delle Vocazioni Ittiche della Provincia Di Milano. Servizio Gestione Attivita Venatoria e Piscatoria, Milano, 447 pp.","Bianco, P. G., Caputo, V., Ferrito, V., Lorenzoni, M., Nonnis Marzano, F., Stefani, F., Sabatini, A. & Tancioni, L. (2013) Pesci d'acqua dolce. In: Rondinini, C., Battistoni, A., Peronace, V. & Teofili, C. (Compilers.), Lista Rossa IUCN dei Vertebrati Italiani. Comitato Italiano IUCN e Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare, Roma, pp. 54.","Volta, P. & Jepsen, N. (2008) The recent invasion of Rutilus rutilus (L.), (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in a large South-Alpine lake: Lago Maggiore. Journal of Limnology, 67, 163 - 170.","Larmuseau, M. H. D., Frehyof, J., Volkaert, F. A. M. & Houdt, J. K. J. van (2009) Matrilinear phylogeography and demographical patterns of Rutilus rutilus: implications for taxonomy and conservation. Journal of Fish Biology, 75, 332 - 353. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1095 - 8649.2009.02322. x","Berg, L. (1949) Freshwater fish of the USSR and adjacent countries. Israel Program for Scientific Translation (1964). Vol. 2. Jerusalem, 496 pp.","Banarescu, P. (1964) Fauna Republicii populare Romine. Pisces, Osteichthyies. Vol. 13. Bucuresti, 959 pp.","Kottelat, M. (1997) European freshwater fish. Biologia, 52 (Supplement), 1 - 271.","Bianco, P. G. & Kottelat, M. (2005) Scardinius knezevici, a new species of rudd from Lake Skadar, Montenegro (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters, 16, 231 - 238."]}

By combining morphology, ecology, biology, and biogeography with the available molecular (sequence variation of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene; cyt-b) and karyology data, the taxonomy of several species of the Rutilus complex inhabiting southern Europe is revised. Rutilus stoumboudae, new species, is described from Lake Volvi, Greece. It differs from Rutilus rutilus in possessing more total GR and less branched rays in both dorsal and anal fins and in its placement in the cyt-b based phylogeny of the genus. The resurrected genus Leucos Heckel, 1843 (type species Leucos aula, Bonaparte, 1841), which according to molecular data diverged from Rutilus more than 5 million years ago, during the Messinian salinity crisis, includes five species of small size, without spinous tubercles on scales and head in reproductive males, pharyngeal teeth formula 5-5, and all show a preference for still waters. Leucos aula is the Italian species endemic in the Padany-Venetian district: L. basak is widespread in Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM); L. albus, recently described from Lake Skadar, Montenegro, is also found in rivers Moraca and Zeta (Montenegro). L. albus differs from L. basak, its closest relative, in having more scales on the LL and less anal-fin rays; L. panosi is endemic to the western-Greece district, and L. ylikiensis is endemic to lakes Yliki and Paralimni in eastern Greece (introduced in Lake Volvi). Among the nominal species examined, Rutilus karamani, R. ohridanus, R. prespensis and R. prespensis vukovici are all junior synonyms of Leucos basak. Rutilus vegariticus is definitively regarded as junior synonym for R. rutilus. Sarmarutilus n.gen. is a monotypic genus, with Sarmarutilus rubilio as the type species. According to phylogenetic data, Sarmarutilus rubilio is basal to a cluster of species that includes Leucos basak, L. albus, L. aula, L. panosi and L. ylikiensis. Sarmarutilus possibly evolved in pre-Messinian time, in the Lago Mare, entered the Mediterranean area during the Messinian Lago Mare phase of the Mediterranean Sea and survived only in the Tuscany-Latium district. This genus differs from Leucos in having large pearl organs on the central part of head and body scales in mature males and for the habitat preference, being a riverine-adapted species. It differs from Rutilus in pharyngeal teeth formula (5-5 in Sarmarutilus and 6-5 in Rutilus), size (small in Sarmarutilus and large in Rutilus) and for the preferential habitat (riverine vs. still water). Finally, lectotypes for Leucos basak, Leucos aula, and Sarmarutilus rubilio are designated.

The aims of the present study are: (1) to produce a phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus Rutilus by using sequence variation of the entire mitochondrial (mt) cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene. To accomplish this we had sampled a total of 22 populations from the Eastern peri-Mediterranean area and Central Europe. These include 12 species (five of which with multiple populations; Fig. 1 and Table 1) out of the 14 reported in FishBase; (2) to test whether molecular data support the current systematics of the genus; and (3) to produce a biogeographic hypothesis for its diversification based on estimates of divergence times. Results will be discussed in light of the two contrasting biogeographic scenarios available for Southern European primary freshwater fishes.

Aim To analyse the patterns in species richness and endemism of the native European riverine fish fauna, in the light of the Messinian salinity crisis and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Location European continent. Methods After gathering native fish faunistic lists of 406 hydrographical networks, we defined large biogeographical regions with homogenous fish fauna, based on a hierarchical cluster analysis. Then we analysed and compared the patterns in species richness and endemism among these regions, as well as species–area relationships. Results Among the 233 native species present in the data set, the Cyprinidae family was strongly dominant (> 50% of the total number of species). Seven biogeographical regions were defined: Western Peri-Mediterranea, Central Peri-Mediterranea, Eastern Peri-Mediterranea, Ponto-Caspian Europe, Northern Europe, Central Europe and Western Europe. The highest regional species richness was observed for Central Peri-Mediterranea and Ponto-Caspian Europe. The highest endemic richness was found in Central Peri-Mediterranea. Species–area relationships were characterized by high slope values for Peri-Mediterranean Europe and low values for Central and Western Europe. Main conclusions The results were in agreement with the ‘Lago Mare’ hypothesis explaining the specificity of Peri-Mediterranean fish fauna, as well as with the history of recolonization of Central and Western Europe from Ponto-Caspian Europe following the LGM. The results also agreed with the mechanisms of speciation and extinction influencing fish diversity in hydrographical networks. We advise the use of the seven biogeographical regions for further studies, and suggest considering Peri-Mediterranean Europe and Ponto-Caspian Europe as ‘biodiversity hotspots’ for European riverine fish.

We examine the evolving concept of what constitutes a nonnative (or alien) freshwater fish. In an attempt to distinguish between biogeographical and socio-political perspectives, we review the patterns in the introduction and dispersal of nonnative fishes in Europe and North America, and especially the recent expansion of Ponto-Caspian gobies in Europe. We assess patterns in the development of national policy and legislation in response to the perceived threat of non-native fish introductions to native species and ecosystems. We review, and provide a glossary of, the terms and definitions associated with non-native species. Finally, we discuss perspectives as regards the future treatment of naturalized species.

Analisi molecolare delle popolazioni di Alburnus viventi in Italia

A first contribution on molecular genetics of the freshwater fish genus Alburnus in Italy

Vengono analizzate, nei bacini del Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, le caratteristiche biologiche dei popolamenti di tre specie di ciprinidi autoctoni italiani: la rovella, Rutilus rubilio, il barbo tiberino, Barbus tyberinus e il cavedano comune, Leuciscus cephalus. L’attuale distribuzione è stata alterata dalle immissioni e le tre specie possono essere considerate native solo nel complesso Sele-Calore. La stagione riproduttiva delle tre specie è simile e inizia a marzo e termina a giugno, con casi sporadici di riproduzione in febbraio e luglio. I maschi di tutte e tre le specie in esame sono meno longevi delle femmine e raggiungono la maturità sessuale più precocemente, circa un anno prima. La massima età osservata nelle femmine, più longeve dei maschi, è di 5-6 anni per la rovella, 7 per il cavedano e per il barbo. Nelle tre specie è stata osservata una riproduzione stagionale multipla (multispawner). Nel confronto con popolazioni di altre regioni d’Italia e d’Europa, sia i cavedani che i barbi del Parco Nazionale appartengono alle popolazioni a media crescita caratterizzate, nel confronto di quelle a crescita maggiore del Tevere e del Po, da longevità e massime dimensioni raggiunte inferiori, precocità del raggiungimento dello stadio adulto sia nei maschi che nelle femmine e anticipazione della stagione riproduttiva.

Nel presente studio abbiamo analizzato 24 popolazioni di Salmo trutta provenienti dai fiumi dell'Abruzzo e della Campania per valutarne le origini atlantiche o mediterranee ed evidenziare probabili fenomeni di incrocio fra le due forme. Sono state inoltre analizzate due popolazioni della Croazia, una del Montenegro e Salmo fibreni, endemismo limitato al Lazio. Lo studio è stato condotto su un totale di 166 individui sequenziando due geni mitocondriali (cyt-b; 333 bp e 16s; 556 bp). Questi geni contengono sostituzioni nucleotidiche fissate tra ceppo mediterraneo ed atlantico. È stata inoltre analizzata, mediante PCR-RFLP, la variazione al locus Ldh-C1 che presenta due alleli (90 e 100), uno dei quali (90) fissato nelle trote allevate e assente nel ceppo mediterraneo. I risultati mostrano che in 14 popolazioni predomina l'aplotipo mediterraneo. In 12 di queste 14 popolazioni è presente l'allele atlantico 90, a testimonianza di introgressione tra le due forme. In quattro delle 13 popolazioni con aplotipo atlantico è ancora presente, seppur in bassa frequenza, l'allele 100 mediterraneo. Dall'analisi combinata dei dati mitocondriali e nucleari sembra che all'introgressione contribuiscano maggiormente i maschi allevati. A livello interspecifico, il differenziamento genetico medio fra Salmo trutta e Salmo fibreni è risultato molto modesto, confermando i dubbi già espressi in precedenza da altri autori sulla validità di questa specie.

The Chondrostoma genus is widespread in Europe, with numerous endemic species in northern Mediterranean rivers. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships of this genus, using the whole cytochrome b sequence and compared the two freshwater fish dispersion hypotheses: (1) dispersion around the Mediterranean Sea during the Lago Mare phase of the Messinian salinity crisis (Bianco’s hypothesis) and (2) an older and more gradual colonization of the Mediterranean rivers (Banarescu’s hypothesis). All phylogenetic analyses identified two levels of divergences, implying two radiation events in the Chondrostoma genus. The first radiation mainly concerned Mediterranean species, whereas the second one includes Danubian and Mesopotamian species. This phylogeographic pattern was already observed for the genus Squalius, which exhibits a similar geographic range distribution in Europe and probably is shared with several other Mediterranean genera, such as Scardinius, Rutilus, and Telestes. Furthermore, assuming a molecular clock of 1% per million years, the first radiation appears consistent with a Messinian dispersion during the Lago Mare, 5.3 million years ago, whereas the second one may correspond to a Mesopotamian dispersion through the Black Sea to the Danube system. According to our results, the Lago Mare theory is strengthened, and a more recent and pre-Pleistocene colonization of the Danube from Mesopotamian freshwater fishes is suggested

Chapter on an endemic barbel from Italy: Barbus caninus