Prespa Trout

Etymology The name of the genus Salmo comes from the Latin word Salmo, meaning leap, leaping. The Latin name peristericus is applied to the area of Pelister Mountain where the Prespa trout inhabit the streams.   Description This is an endemic species of ray-finned fishes which belongs to the Salmonidae family. The Prespa Trout, also called Pelister Trout, is a small Salmo species, which rarely exceeds 35 cm in length and 350 gr in weight. It is distinct from other Balkan species of trout and is characterised by a small black spot on the opercula and small black spots on the upper third part of the lateral part of the body. Red spots are scattered on the whole lateral part of the body and may vary in coloration from dark orange to dark purple. The number of gill rakers range from 16 to 18. It is difficult to identify but it is distinguished from all its congeners in the Balkan Peninsula by the combination of the following characteristics: small black spot on opercula and upper third of the body, oscillated red spots on whole body side; body depth 19-23% SL; 16-18 gill rakers; pre-anal length 72-75% SL.   Distribution Four populations have been recorded in the surrounding tributaries of Macro Prespa: River Brajcinska, River Kranska, River Leva and the River Agios Germanos.   Biology It is found in streams and believed originally to be an inhabitant of lakes entering streams to spawn, and then returning to the lake. The habitat modifications and water abstraction have interrupted the lower course of most streams and its distribution is confined to headwaters. It spawns mainly during November – December.   Fishing significance Low, recreational. Illegal fishing present.   Threats The main threats are from the low carrying capacity of streams (food availability), increased amounts of fine sediment in streams (reproductive failure, low recruitment), annual repeated reduction of population through direct removal of individuals, altered hydrological regime due to water abstraction and construction of small hydro power stations (dams). There is also illegal fishing.   Conservation actions Species Conservation Action Plan, possible implementation of artificial spawning for stocking purposes by methods of catch and release.