Prespa Spirlin

Etymology The name of the genus Alburnoides is a diminutive Latin name for Alburnus (albus, meaning white or whitish), derivedfrom the morphological similarities of spirlin and bleak. The Latin name prespensis is applied to the area of the Prespa Lakes where spirlin inhabits. Description This is an endemic species of ray-finned fish in the Cyprinidae family. It is distinguished from other species of Alburnoides in Europe by having the following characteristics: mouth terminal, cleft only slightly slanted; anal fin with 1011½ branched rays; 40-43 + 2-3 lateral line scales; caudal peduncle 1.8-2.2 times longer than deep; snout longer than eye diameter and inter-orbital distance 1.2-1.4 times eye diameter. Maximum length: 130 mm. Distribution Europe:  Prespa Lakes. It can be found in the surf zone along lake shores. Biology This is a typical species from flowing water, making it rheophilous, and thus it is normally found in rivers. In the Prespa Lakes however, it lives in the shallow waters at the edge of the lake. It is also a lithophilous species, spawning on gravelly and stony substrates in May and June. Its eggs are sticky (among themselves and to the substrate). Fishing significance No significance Threats Potential threats to the species are: water abstraction, drought, pollution and introduced species which could impact the whole lake. Conservation actions The numbers of Prespa spirlin are falling, which is probably related to competition from two non-native species, the stone moroko and the pumpkinseed (sunfish), which feed on similar food. Selective fishing of these two species will improve the status of Alburnoides.